Bar Wars XXX

Celebrating 30 years of helping those InTheBiz in need

By Nicol Jenkins

For the past 30 years, Billy Rose, owner of Jester’s Bar, has helped fellow InTheBizTM workers who are in need – from raising money for hospital bills to funeral expenses.

Once again, Rose will host Bar Wars, a day-long event of “Bar vs. Bar” competition, food, drinks, and most of all fun for a good cause.

Bar Wars brings together local bars to compete for charity and of course trophies and bragging rights. The event will be held Sunday, April 20 from noon to 5: 30 p.m. at Mills Pond Park.

“We throw one hell of a picnic. People want to come and eat and drink and have a good time, and for $20 you can’t beat it,” said Billy Rose, who founded and organizes the annual event.

In the 1970s, Rose sparked the idea of having a picnic and inviting those working InTheBizTM throughout South Florida. At the time, Rose was working for another local bar and has since brought the concept to all his bars.

But how did he come up with the name?

“In 1978, I went to work at Play Pen and the movie Star Wars was released. My friend Mike Schrock suggested calling the picnic, Bar Wars and we have ever since then,” said Rose, who has been InTheBizTM for 50 years.

Over the years, Rose said the event has brought together thousands of bar workers and even more money for a good cause.

“We’ve raised and topped $200,000 over the years to give to needy people in the bar and restaurant business,” he said. “We’ve done a lot of good. We usually raise $5,000 to $6,000 each event.”

Rose distributes the money to those in need.  

“If anyone comes to me and tells me they have a problem I listen to them, and if it is justifiable and they need the money, I give it to them,” he said. “I’ve given money for funeral expenses, dentist bills, and an injury from a motorcycle accident.”

Anywhere from 500 to 800 in the hospitality industry and representing 30 to 40 local bars attend the all-day event. The competitive events include: volleyball, horse shoes, relay races, egg toss, and tug of war.

In addition, the event offers all you can eat chicken, hot dogs, burgers, steaks, sausage and peppers, and all you can drink Budweiser products, screwdrivers, soda and bottled water. Music will be provided by DJ Tommy Llew. All this is for only $20 and all the proceeds go to fellow members of the ITB nation.

“I have been associated with Billy Rose for more than 30 years, and I can attest to his generosity,” said Jester’s General Manager, Jimmy Farber.

Sponsors of this year’s event are: Jester’s Sports Bar, InTheBizTM Magazine, Budweiser, Florida Marlins, Southern Wine & Spirits of South Florida, and XL Energy Drink.

“We all work very hard to do a lot of things for people in the bar and restaurant business,” Rose said.

For tickets stop by Jester’s Bar & Grill at 801 Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale or call 954-776-1526.