The Hometown Bar that Loves to Give Back to the Community
When Jeff Nawrocki and his business partner, Mike Gallo, opened Newman’s Corner Pub in October of 2019, they wanted to bring something to the Village of Hampshire that was new and different.
“We knew that Hampshire didn’t have a lot of entertainment. Being a bar without any food service, we had to find our niche,” Jeff said.
The owners, together with manager Sue Castle, began bringing in live acts, as well as offering karaoke and bingo for their customers. They started having parking lot parties during covid so people could get together in the open air and spread out.
On Wednesday nights, they offered Facebook live events, had Andy Griffith watch parties and virtual bingo which drew players from across the country.
Post-pandemic, the bar has a lineup of fun activities that bring in crowds, as well as many fundraisers that allow them to give back to the community.
Are You a Veteran?
Newman’s celebrates veterans every day. When you visit the pub, don’t forget to check out Newman’s veteran’s wall. Featuring a flag made by a local business owner and veteran, the veteran’s wall serves as a tribute to those who have served in the U.S. Military.
“Veterans can come in, pull tab off the flag, and enjoy one pre-purchased drink, paid for by customers as a way of thanking veterans for their service today and every day.”
Do You like a Place Where Everyone Knows your Name?
New friends and old connect at Newman’s.
“The customers are what make a bar a great place. This place has far exceeded my expectations. The village, the trustees, and the community are all great. I appreciate them so much,” Jeff said.
“You can come in here and walk out with a new friend. It’s very female-friendly. To have a bar that women are comfortable in is the best,” she said.
Newman’s Pays it Forward with Fundraisers and Support for the Community
Both Jeff and Sue agree that the opportunity to give back to the community is one of the best parts of running Newman’s.
“At Christmas we adopted 20 seniors and our customers loaded them up with gifts. No matter what we are supporting: pets, veterans, St. Jude’s, or the American Heart Association. We facilitate the ideas and the customers give. The Hampshire community steps up. It’s the community that does it, we just provide the opportunities,” Sue said.
Do You Like to Win Prizes and Cash?
Jeff and Sue are always finding new ways to offer fun activities for their customers. During football season, they offered raffle tickets for a Vegas trip and quarterly cash winners and door prize raffles.
“We continuously try to make things fun and find different ways of doing things,” she said.
Looking For Live Music?
Offering live music and entertainment and unique experiences for the customers is something Jeff feels strongly about.
The lineup for this spring includes live music and karaoke on the weekends and bingo once a month. In March a chili cookoff and an Elvis impersonator are planned, and in May they will feature a live dueling pianos concert.
“It’s not always about how much money we can make. It’s how we can give back, while having fun and making memories.”
About This Business
Name: Newman’s Corner Pub
Hours: Sunday & Monday: 11am to 10pm; Tuesday – Thursday: 11am to Midnight; Friday & Saturday: 11am to 1am.
Address: 1000 S State Street, Hampshire
Phone: 847-980-0546