On the far east side of Indy, at 30th Street and Franklin Road, is a bar that has an inviting atmosphere, great food and a world of activities for just about anything you would like to try. What’s the name of this place? Dear John’s!

Dear John’s was purchased in 1991 by John Henry and his father-in-law, Paul Bradford. Paul has since passed away and John is now the sole owner of the bar. A lot of changes have been made at Dear John’s and activities are constantly being added to make this bar a special and unique place to enjoy an evening with some friends.

In addition to a complete remodeling of the bar, John offers check cashing, a super beer garden, horseshoe pits and even a basketball court for all of you out there who like to shoot hoops. John credits Shaffer Distributing and Zink Distributors for being good business mentors and sales representatives. Both companies have helped with promos and offering the sort of things that bring in good clientele.

For you golfers, Dear John’s has an annual golf outing that is known to be quite the occassion. On Wednesday nights, Dear John’s offers VNEA Pool Leagues. Dear John’s is also proud to sponsor Medalist dart leagues, bus trips to the riverboats and horseshoe tourneys. There is karaoke on bi-monthly Fridays, acoustic music on the first Friday of every month, euchre tourneys on Monday nights and on Tuesday nights Dear John’s offers free hot wings from 7:00-9:00pm.

Now if all of that isn’t enough, try this on for size; on November 13th Dear John’s is playing host to an apple pie and chili contest, which is judged by nine different judges. So, if none of the other activities turn you on, get in that kitchen, rattle those pots and pans and get your apple pie and/or chili entered. Last, but certainly not least, is Dear John’s daily lunch specials from 11:00am to 2:00pm, the food is delicious!

John has been married to his wife Diana for 26 years. They have lived in Cumberland for 17 years. John has teo children, Adrienne, 22 years old and married, and Cameron, 17 years old and a Junior at Warren Central High School. John graduated from John Marshall High School in 1976 where he played baseball.

Dear John’s has a great staff. As you might imagine, they are friendly, upbeat and always ready to welcome you. Linda Luster is in the kitchen and Tina Nichols tends bar in the daytime with Sheri Robinson and Kim Bartley taking over the bartending duties at night.