GEORGIES

My Uncle George has always been one of the most interesting people I’ve known. He has always had the tendency to reinvent himself generationally and he has always put his heart and soul into everything he’s done.

As a young man, Uncle George joined the Navy and toured the world. He loves to talk about his time on Grand Turk Island and with the seven original Mercury astronauts; “Woody” (Scott Carpenter) was his favorite.

After the Navy, Uncle George dedicated his life to teaching. He spent his career as a History teacher at Toms River East High School. To this day he has former students reaching out to tell him how much he has impacted their lives. He made his students feel like a part of his classroom community and fostered a sense of safety and belonging.

When he retired from teaching, it was time for another act.

In 1999, he opened Georgies as a tribute to his late partner, George. It was more than just a business venture – it was an act of love and remembrance. He wanted to create a place where people of all walks of life could come together, feel safe, be themselves and find family. At the time, that kind of space wasn’t easy to find – especially for the LGBTQ+ community.

From the very beginning, Georgies became exactly what he hoped it would be. Dubbed the “gay Cheers of Asbury Park,” it became a place where no one had to explain themselves, where strangers became friends and everyone had a safe and welcoming seat at the bar. In the last 25+ years, Georgies has become a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community in Asbury Park.

At around the time of Georgies 20th anniversary, Uncle George started to get that familiar urge to change things up. Soon, he decided that it was time to retire and reinvent himself yet again. Knowing how important Georgies is to the community that it serves, our family made the decision to keep the doors open and the legacy alive. We knew we had to do it – not just for Uncle George, but for everyone who has found a home at Georgies.

Every day, we’re reminded that this bar isn’t just a business. It’s a living legacy – a place that carries forward the idea of love and acceptance that started it all. We’ve tried to keep Georgies evolving while staying true to its heart. The patio is busier than ever in the summer, our drag shows and karaoke nights continue to draw a crowd, and every fundraiser and community event reminds us what this place stands for.

This year, Georgies was recognized by USA Today as one of the top bars in the country. A huge honor and one our family is so proud of, but no one is prouder than Uncle George. He built Georgies to honor love and to get that kind of recognition is really amazing. We are so proud to carry the torch forward. Every laugh, every song, every raised glass is an important reminder that Georgies has become the heart and soul of the community.
For more information or upcoming events, follow @GeorgiesBarAP on social media.