Bayer’s Tavern in Gloucester City has been in business for many years and is a community staple. Under new ownership, it has become an inclusive safe space for the LGBTQ community in the South Jersey suburbs of Philadelphia. The owner of Bayer’s, Justin Benoit, has been in the bar industry for over a dozen years. He works as a bartender at Bob and Barbara’s Lounge in Philadelphia, which has a ton of history. It’s an iconic place in Philadelphia that happens to have the longest running drag show in the country. He and his husband of 11 years, Blaze, decided it was time to find a place of their own.
The evolution of an LGBTQ bar in the New Jersey suburbs
The search for a space began in Philadelphia and the neighboring New Jersey suburbs. They had difficulty finding a place that really spoke to them. Benoit and his husband ultimately found Bayer’s Tavern in Gloucester City up for sale. The charm and decor they found inside won them over. Knowing the bar had been there for many years, they felt a good vibe and energy from it.
They became the new owners in March of 2024. Since then, they have spent time adding their own touches and changes. Priority one was making the bar a more inclusive space for everyone. They respect Gloucester City and the local community that lives there. They want Bayer’s Tavern to be the welcoming hometown bar that it always has been. They just want it to welcome everyone.
Benoit is originally from Louisiana and lived in Philadelphia for over 20 years until recently moving to nearby Brooklawn. He was born and raised in a small town. He welcomes a return to the small town kind of life in the suburbs. Unfortunately, they’ve dealt with some dissension. Once drag karaoke started at Bayer’s Tavern, there was pushback from some of the bar regulars and local patrons. It took a toll on the business.
“The goal is to have an even mix of people. That’s the vibe I’m trying to create, a Bob and Barbara’s vibe. It’s a mix. You have people of all walks of life. Everybody comes together, and there’s no problems whatsoever. That is the environment I am trying to foster here,” said Benoit.
Some of the regulars and former staff chose not to embrace the new Bayer’s. But others fully embraced the new vibe. Members of the LGBTQ community in the South Jersey suburbs now have a safe and welcoming space to call their own.
“Since becoming a regular at Bayer’s, I’ve been wrapped in so much genuine love, unwavering acceptance, and the warmest sense of community. The people there? They honestly feel like family to me. What’s really amazing is that I don’t even really drink alcohol, and it never feels like I have to there. I can just show up, socialize, belt out some karaoke, and eat some truly amazing bar food — like their homemade shepherd’s pie,” said Meechie Ditullio, a regular patron and member of the LGBTQ community.
Bartender Kimberly Knowland has been a huge ally in creating and fostering an environment that is inclusive. “We wanted to create a space where people could feel like they were safe and that no one would bother them,” she said. “I have a lot of customers tell me, ‘I know I can come here by myself now because I’m safe.’” The owners want the local community to understand that all they are trying to do is create an inclusive space for everyone.
Bayer’s Tavern is having events every day in June for Pride month, with a Pride Night celebration on June 22, 2025. Bayer’s Tavern is located at 500 Jersey Ave. in Gloucester City. More information on Bayer’s Tavern is available here on their Facebook page.
