So, They Laid Off The "Cheers" Bartender

And all this time, I thought it was just me...

For Boston Institution, Closing Credits Roll - 'Cheers' Lays Off Fabled Bartender 

I'm telling you, old-school bartending is a dying art, and I'm growing ever more concerned.  How do you let this kind of treasure go?!?  Thirty-five years behind the bar, and *poof,* he's gone.  This is not the kind of employee you can simply replace, you know? What I wouldn't have given, to have sat on one of his barstools, slowly stirring my Manhattan, just listening and watching... thirty-five years.  Wow.

Since Sam Malone and Issac from "Love Boat" are my personal bartending role models (yes, I'm serious, and will answer all of your queries one day), I have to admit that this one really, really hurts.

Eddie Doyle was the guy who really did know everybody's name, at least when he started working at the tavern that inspired the television show "Cheers."

To the tens of thousands of tourists that later passed through, Doyle remained behind the bar to offer a smile, a beer and tips about where to find the Boston that wasn't shown on TV.

Now Doyle is out of a job, laid off from "Cheers" after 35 years. The bar's owner has said a tough economy and sagging business forced the move, which was one of several layoffs.

Doyle said he's not bitter, just surprised and a little sad.

It pains me to see the era pass.  A hearty toast to the Bull & Finch Pub, and especially to their staff.  To you, Eddie Doyle.  Cheers, and best of luck to you!

(By the way, I never realized the following lyrics are a lot weirder than those we heard on TV all those years. Awesome!)

Roll out of bed, Mr. Coffee's dead
The morning's looking bright
And your shrink ran off to Europe
And didn't even write
And your husband wants to be a girl

Be glad there's one place in the world 
Where everybody knows your name 
And they're always glad you came
You want to go where people know
People are all the same
You want to go where everybody knows your name

- Gary Portnoy, "Where Everybody Knows Your Name"

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