After being gifted land from the general he had served with, Chiappini made the decision to capitalize on the lack of anything to do in the quiet town.

The story of this small-town legend began in 1935 when a young Army solider, Joseph Nicola Chiappini, returned from fighting in World War I. Melrose local Shannon Sullivan used to bring her pet possums into the bar when she visited. On some days, dogs follow their owners up to the steps of Chiappini's, where they wait outside for their owners to emerge. Some even step outside to play cornhole and horseshoes. Small children wander inside to buy sodas or snacks while regulars gather out back to chat and share stories. Most afternoons, patrons with beer cans in hand sit on the bar's wooden porch or on the concrete steps leading out to the gas pumps. Legislators have traveled from Tallahassee to rub shoulders with locals and sip beers, while passers-by are often enticed to 'stay a while' by the bar/gas station's friendly regulars. The atmosphere creates a second home for locals that capitalizes on the strengths of friendships throughout the town.īut Chiappini's has also attracted a larger following. With a smile on his face, Ed, playfully nicknamed EdWeiser by locals after the bar's favorite brew, is ready to pump gas, wash your windshield and even check your engine oil.įollow EdWeiser inside to find a small crowd gathering around the bar, sipping on Busch beers and chatting about their day - it's almost like a scene from a rural 'Cheers' episode. Pull up to the pumps and a man named Ed emerges from the double glass doors.

Imaginary by Jamie Sullivan