Jack's Twin Bar, Gloucester City
Dennis and Tammy Galligan were seeking a new venture when they noticed that the property at 200 S. Broadway was for sale. Not really knowing what a gold mind they were landing, they purchased Bert's Shamrock (which it was then called) and renamed the bar Jack's Bar & Grill in memory of Tammy's father, Jack Walters, a long time Gloucester City resident.
Upon opening they began slowly making much needed renovations and were
visited by a gentleman who claimed to be a local historian, friendly
with one of the original band players of Bill Haley & the Comets.
The Galligans were of course a bit skeptical and blindly dismissed this
person and went about their business. Shortly thereafter, upon applying
for a UEZ matching façade grant they were dumbfounded by the reality
that they were indeed sitting on the best kept historical secret in the
City…as their property was the place Bill Haley & his Saddleman got
their start and began what we now know as Rock n Roll.
It was back in the early 1950's, in an 18 month stint at the Twin Bar, now owned by the Galligans, Bill Haley & the Saddlemen enthusiastically combined country and western, rhythm and blues and various other musical styles to form a successfully blended sound, which resulted in what Haley described as "the birthplace of rock 'n' roll -- a place where he could experiment with the crowd," according to co-authors John von Hoelle and John W. Haley (son of Bill Haley), in Sound and Glory, which is a biography of Bill Haley.
Aware of the building's rich history, the Galligan's vigorously worked hand in hand with the City to rehabilitate their façade, change their name to Jack's Twin Bar all to enhance their image -- with the full intention of keeping Bill Haley's legend alive.
Last June, they partnered with the Gloucester City UEZ and together they hosted the 1st Annual Rock n Roll Revival, which featured Bill Haley's Original Comets and other rockabilly bands in an all out tribute to Bill Haley and Gloucester City's claim to fame as the birthplace of rock n roll. A plaque commemorating Bill Haley's contribution to the cultural history of the region naming Jack's Twin Bar as the birthplace of Rock N Roll, now sits on the front of the building, provided by the Camden County Board of Freeholders.
This years Rock N Roll Revival event will be held on June 20 and June 21, along Broadway, which will again focus on Gloucester City rock n roll history. Jack's Twin Bar is also currently working with the City to erect a mural on the outside wall of their establishment, which will depict Bill Haley's earlier days in relation to his debut in Gloucester City.
The bar/restaurant have various specials and bands, which play on a regular basis and are open daily from 11:30-2 am, and Sundays from 1 to 10 pm. Lunch specials and Happy Hour from 3 to 6 pm is available every day.
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