The Closure of the Iconic Cheers Replica Bar in Boston

The days of enjoying a drink at the famous bar where “everyone knows your name” are coming to an end. The Cheers replica bar in Boston will close on August 30, 2023, after nearly 20 years in operation. This difficult decision comes as a result of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising rent costs, according to owner Thomas Kershaw.

History of Cheers in Boston

Kershaw’s original Cheers bar, located in Boston’s Beacon Hill, inspired the legendary television show. Subsequently, he opened the Faneuil Hall location to recreate the watering hole that fans had come to love from the series. Although the bar features the memorable Cheers sign from the show’s exterior shots, the interior does not closely resemble the iconic set. There are no jukeboxes, pool tables, or the island bar famously operated by Sam Malone.

Beacon Hill Bar Continues Operations

The Beacon Hill bar, which started as the Bull & Finch Pub in 1969 and gained fame when Cheers premiered in 1982, has been recognized as Boston’s best neighborhood bar by Boston Magazine.

Mementos and Memorabilia

The Faneuil Hall Cheers replica, which opened in 2001, serves more as an homage to the television series. This location showcases memorabilia including Sam Malone’s Boston Red Sox jacket and Cliff Clavin’s post office uniform. Notably, actor George Wendt, who played Norm Peterson, attended the grand opening of this site.

Virtual Farewell Event

Even if you can’t make it in for one last drink at Cheers, you can join George Wendt virtually on August 21, 2023, ahead of the closing.

Cultural Impact of Cheers

Cheers aired from 1982 through 1993 and continues to be a favorite among fans. The show is currently available for streaming on platforms such as CBS All Access and Hulu, having been removed from Netflix in June.