LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Family and friends are remembering a longtime New Albany bar owner after he lost his battle with cancer.
A father, a friend, a Marine Corps veteran and a bar owner — those are just a few of the titles Hugh E. Bir embraced. But in New Albany, many gave him another title: legend.
He owned Hugh E. Bir Café for over 50 years.
"It holds true to the man, the myth, the legend. Everybody has always said that, and I truly believed it then — but now there's no doubt," said Bir's granddaughter, Regan Colglazier.
Colglazier knows the impact her grandfather had on New Albany.
"Everybody walked in and screamed his name as soon as they saw him. If he was sitting at the end of the bar, they made sure to always say hi — and he always made sure to say hi to those he loved and appreciated," she said.
The bar has been in New Albany since the 1960s. Bir took it over from his parents in the 1980s.
He spent his time getting to know everyone who walked through the door and sharing his love for live music.
"He started playing piano at the age of five and was musically influenced by my family. He looked at his music as a gift, and if you have it, you should cherish it," said Bir's daughter, Jessica.
Jessica and Bir's son, Jake, now own the bar and are looking to continue the family's legacy.
"I try to treat everybody that comes to the door like a friend because that's how Dad's always been," Jake said.
It's clear Bir loved his family, but he also had many lifelong friends with whom he always shared laughs and drinks.
"Just a good friend — like a brother, actually. We've had some really good times, and he is going to be deeply missed," said Rib Tip Tony.
That laughter will continue at Hugh E. Bir’s Café, while his legacy is displayed all over the walls.
"He always made sure that the door was open for everybody — for his 'living room,' as he would say. I just hope that it stays that way. Everybody is welcome to his living room," Colglazier said.
Visitation will take place Friday, July 11, from 2 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to noon at Kraft Funeral Service in New Albany.
More Local News:
Shively Police say murder suspect still at large despite social media rumors
No one injured after large house fire in southern Indiana
Former Kentucky police chief Rick McCubbin faces domestic violence, harassment charges
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
