From "Woo" to "Whoa!": The Saga of Metuchen Mo

My friendship with Moshe "Mo" Atzbi goes back nearly two decades, as we met when I was a regular at Pizzeria Uno's in Metuchen. Mike Sella was brewing great beer there then and having regular--and packed--beer dinners to feature it, and Moshe could be found either behind the bar drawing and discussing it, or at those beer dinners serving and sometimes cooking the food and serving beer.

Possessed of a sharp mind and a good sense of humor, Mo was my counterpoint during many a good beer discussion--and not a few jokes. But Mo, perhaps earlier than any of us who frequented Uno's, saw the writing on the wall, and set out to find a more fulfilling--if not more stable-- path.

Because Mo was just not a barman. He was an excellent chef. And Mike Sella frequently left the culinary part of his dinners to Mo's capable hands. No one who ever attended those dinners was disappointed with the food or the beer, though, admittedly--and ONLY occasionally, one of my witty jokes would elicit a groan.

I was at one of Mike Sella's successful Cask Beer events where Mo was working. There also was a young entrepreneur who owned an establishment in Metuchen that had just opened--and I had just reviewed quite favorably. Chris Flynn, the owner of Hailey's Harp and Pub, had come to sample good beer with an eye towards making his new pub a great place for great beer.

I predicted that this welcoming, comfy pub with wonderful food and a nice beer list (now one of the distinguished bearers of the coveted "Pubscout Approved Pub" Seal) owned by affable Chris Flynn would have a long, healthy run. I was right.

I learned that Chris was also looking for competent, knowledgeable staff, and I knew that Mo was looking to make a move, so when the gregarious Atzbi came over I introduced them, and put in a good word for my friend, on both the beer knowledge level and the culinary one. So did my buddy Dave Hoffmann of Climax Brewing.

The rest, as they say, is history. Having heard from other Uno's regulars that Hailey's could be the next "happening" place, Mo camped out in front of the pub every Sunday morning at 9 AM for five weeks straight to harass Chris Flynn about a barman's job. Probably tired of sneaking in the back door every Sunday to avoid the skinny guy waiting in front, Chris told Mo he needed a cook. Mo seized the opportunity, and hasn't looked back.

Chris hired Mo, and for years their combined talents worked so well, Hailey's Harp and Pub became a staple of Metuchen and absolutely the pub to go to. And not just for Metuchen denizens. People came--and still do come-- from far and wide to enjoy the special ambiance of Hailey's.

Mo worked the kitchen, upgraded the beer list and helped to initiate customer-friendly programs--like the legendary Hailey's Beer Senate sessions--that have helped greatly to elevate Hailey's appeal to the masses, as well as setting a fine example for our national legislators to follow.

Mo's input and assistance so helped build the client base and increase exponentially the all-important loyalty factor, that Chris Flynn made Mo a full partner.

But it is with bittersweet feelings that I report that partnership is no longer.

Because now Mo owns the place outright.

Chris Flynn--the face of Hailey's Harp and Pub since its inception--will be stepping aside, leaving Mo as the sole proprietor.

"Everyone was shocked," said the erstwhile barman, Flynn. "This was the best-kept secret of all time. Only three people knew: me, Mo and my wife Jody." It appears three can keep a secret if three of them want to.

"Everything has a shelf life," said Chris. "And there's no one better to leave my dream to than Mo, who's got the experience, and especially the passion you need in this business." Chris will likely be drinking some of his next beers at the 19th hole on some golf course.

Chris can, however, take pride and solace in the venerable institution he created with his vision. Most Hailey's followers will miss his regular "Woo!" posts and endearing promotional antics. But he can, I am confident, rest assured that it will be in the very capable hands of Moshe Atzbi.

Who got his start in Metuchen.

And never left.