SHAWBUCKS

A union carpenter by trade, Kurt Johnson had a dream since his early 20s. He wanted to own a business. After making major renovations to the 200 Lafayette St location, his dreams came to fruition and Shawbucks opened March 31, 1995... The name Shawbucks came from a nickname his great uncle was called while working as a logger. Great Uncle Clarence and his buddies tended to have a few drinks while working. Clarence's job was to grab the bucksaw on the way out at the end of the day. One of his co-workers asked him not to forget the sawbuck (he actually ment to say bucksaw but had a few to many drinks)and his nickname became Shawbuck. Kurt associated the name Shawbuck with a group of guys having a few drinks and laughs together. It only made sense to use the name for the bar since Kurt's intention was to provide a place for friends to gather for laughs and drinks.

Also known as: Shawbucks INC.

Primary location: Jamestown United States