Joey's Closing

Joeys on the corner of Franklin and Oakley is having its last call this weekend. They are knocking Joeys down. Its all in the name of progress. Berry Plastics that sits just across the street from Joeys is turning this lot into a parking lot. The only thing standing in Berry Plastics way to pave this block is that small corner bar. This little bar on the corner of Oakley and Franklin may not look like paradise, but it is being paved to put up a parking lot. The regulars may not call it paradise either "50 is the legal capacity," says Owner Blake Fulton, but its an important place to them. "Were packed all the time." With businessmen grabbing a beer still in their shirt and tie right alongside those dressed as casual as it comes. When they found out the bar was closing the memories starting flowing with the drinks. "Ive heard in the past week from 20 different couples that say we met here." This weekend theyre taking their last drink before the building is knocked down. When news broke last week the building was coming down some of the regulars started putting a permanent makr on the building truly showing what it means to them Owner Blake Fulton added his mark too. Fulton worked at Joeys for 10 years DJing karaoke before taking over after founder Joey Polaski died four years ago. Joeys wasnt always in this spoint. It was moved here in the mid-80s after the originial building was taken down to revitalize Evansvilles riverfront. Almost 30 years later theyre facing that again. "The growth of Evansville. Thats what happens." Luckily its not the building that makes the bar unique. "To me its a lot about the spirit, atmosphere and the people who hang out here." Even when cars are parked where the bar use to stand that spirit will live on long after." Tomorrow the bar is open from 7 AM to closing time. If you have memories here and want a piece of the building there is an auction happening on June 30th. Fulton says hes still deciding if he wants to rebuild somewhere else.