In August of 2015, the Hometowne Tavern was purchased by Doak Borst to be converted into what we now know as GoodFella’s. Upon entering the newly acquired establishment, the new owner could not help but envision miles of updates and years of memories to be made. When walking into the dining room one cannot help but notice the framed areas of the walls. As any other person would imagine, the idea came to place a picture in the “frame.” But what kind of picture? After several days of contemplation on how to fill this blank canvas, it dawned on them!
Growing up Italian, every relative had a picture of the Last Supper hanging in the dining room. You know the long picture that would never fit in a typical picture frame. Well, it’s a tradition that has been kept alive for generations, and here at GoodFella’s, we don’t like to break tradition. Therefore, a decision was made – The Last Supper was the scene of choice, but with a bit of a twist.
Two Swissvale artists were recruited for the composition of our own Last Supper, Amber Kear & Dino Dubinz. After 6 weeks, several photo shoots with Deneen and Doak, a few redo’s/touch ups to make sure everyone turned out just right, a few beers because who doesn’t get thirsty recreating such a masterpiece, and GoodFella’s Last Supper was complete. Until January of 2020 when we lost our beloved cook, husband, son & friend, Tyler. He was taken from us far too soon and has since been added to our wall by Armand Ventura & Brittany Swartzwelder.
There are now 14 characters at our dining table, for one reason or another, many of which you will recognize, while others are loved ones that we once shared many meals with, but have since passed.
THE LINE-UP from left to right:
The Rat Pack: Dino, Sammy, and Frank – Deneen’s favorites.
Who wouldn’t want to have dinner with these guys?
Tyler “Ty” Whaley – Our beloved cook. You could often find him
after his shift enjoying a Colt 45 & a shot of Rumple Minze
Armand Ventura – grandfather of Deneen
Frederick “Fritz” Costanza – father of Deneen
Deneen Costanza Swartzwelder – you can usually find her in the kitchen
Doak Borst – owner, usually on his stool enjoying a shot of Angry Balls
Douglas Borst – brother of Doak
Dean Borst – father of Doak
The GoodFellas: Ray Liotta (Henry Hill), Robert De Niro (Jimmy Conway), & Joe Pesci (Tommy Devito)
AND
Elvis Presley – when the former bar owners wanted the black velvet Elvis picture that was hanging in the bar to go with them, it was decided – we wanted Elvis back! Therefore, he was given a permanent place on the wall. Elvis has not left the building.