The owner of an Ohio funeral home recently applied for a liquor license, a move that has sparked conversation among funeral industry insiders who want to make the venue more welcoming to the family and friends of the deceased. said.
Hunter Triplett, owner and CEO of Evergreen Funeral, Cremation and Reception in Columbus, Ohio, told FOX News Digital that he grew up in the cemetery business and was exposed to a variety of funeral homes over the years. He said he came.
One thing he continued to notice was that after a funeral or memorial service, people often go to a bar, restaurant, or event space to continue honoring their loved one.
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“The purpose of a liquor license is to allow you to toast with champagne on behalf of your loved one, and also to allow you to do so if someone has a signature cocktail that they are always seen with. That's true,” Triplett said.
Triplett told Fox News Digital that Evergreen Funeral, Cremation and Reception, scheduled to open in 2025, will be located on the site of a former chocolate factory. He said there is “plenty of space” in the building for a reception following the memorial service.
An Ohio funeral home owner wants to give consumers an opportunity to remember their deceased loved one with a glass of champagne. (St. Petersburg)
“The idea was that by offering this kind of service we would stand out among other funeral homes in the area,” he continued.
The facility will also have a “robust” kitchen and catering for funeral receptions will be available.
“This is a reception center inside a funeral home,” he said.
“I think we have to follow the consumer's opinion.”
Triplett said she has spoken to families of recent deaths and said, “Many of them like the celebration of life. They like the humane aspect of how funerals are conducted.”
“And I think we need to follow what the consumer says.”
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He said the reaction to the media attention on his liquor license application has been largely positive, both from central Ohio residents and funeral industry officials.
“Other funeral professionals have asked me, 'How can I do what you do?'” Triplett told Fox News Digital.
The Ohio funeral home will also have a reception center, the owner and CEO said. (St. Petersburg)
Fox News Digital has reached out to the National Funeral Directors Association for comment.
Some other funeral homes said they have had success providing alcohol to grieving families and friends.
“This isn't shots and beers. It's reinforcement.”
John Korsak, owner of Korsak Funeral Home in Wheeling, Illinois, north of Chicago, told Fox News Digital that he recently started the Mimosa memorial in response to customer requests.
“The focus is not on the alcohol served,” Korsak said. “It’s about celebrating a life well lived.”
Korsak's bar is mobile and a catering company handles the drinks, allowing Korsak and his team to focus on what they do best.
Kolssak Funeral Home in Wheeler, Illinois has a bar where you can enjoy drinks. (John Korsak)
“It's not shots and beer,” Korsak said. “It's reinforcement.”
Triplett also pointed out that the idea is not to turn the funeral home into a bar.
“So you have a funeral and a memorial service. The funeral takes place where the body is present, and the memorial service takes place where the body is not,” he said.
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“Many families are not very comfortable [an] When the casket is opened, many people place the urn in front of them and say something like their last words. ”
He said the bar will be available in a more casual environment like this.
However, if the family chooses to hold a wake, funeral, burial or other event at another location, alcohol will not be served.
One funeral home owner said he has received inquiries from other funeral industry professionals about obtaining a liquor license. (St. Petersburg)
“We do not provide [alcohol service] “Because people will be driving from one facility to another,” he said.
“The services provided are provided only during your stay at our facility; [these] On the premises until the end. ”
Triplett said families can also refuse alcohol service if they don't want to drink alcohol at the memorial service.
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“The bar has wheels,” he said. “If anyone finds it offensive, we can remove it.”
Diane Gottesman, an etiquette expert and founder of the Texas Protocol School in San Antonio, told FOX News Digital that it's “unusual” to be offered alcohol at a funeral home and that bars and parties are not allowed. He said the recommendation also comes with risks. atmosphere.
“Having an open bar at a funeral home changes the atmosphere.”
“Having an open bar at a funeral home changes the atmosphere,” she says.
Triplett emphasized that this is a traditional funeral home.
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“We are simply providing food and beverage services that enhance and support the personalized aspect of funeral services,” he said.
Evergreen Funerals, Cremations and Receptions does not yet have a liquor license, according to the Ohio Department of Liquor Control's license database.
Three other funeral homes in Ohio also have on-site event space for receptions and have received liquor licenses, according to the Ohio Liquor Control Authority's database.
