Barbecue, Brews and News coming back to Pit & Tap on May 16

Record supporters are hungry for more following last year’s inaugural Barbecue, Brews and News, so Wilmette restaurant Pit & Tap and The Record North Shore are joining forces again.

The second Barbecue, Brews and News fundraiser is set for Thursday, May 16, at Pit & Tap, 1168 Wilmette Ave., where Record Editor in Chief Joe Coughlin and board member George Rafeedie will serve as guest bartenders from 5-8 p.m.

The event will feature drink specials and a portion of the day’s proceeds, along with tips between 5-8 p.m., will benefit The Record, a nonprofit newsroom serving the New Trier area and Highland Park.

“Last year’s event was incredible — one of the highlights of the year,” Coughlin said. “We got to meet and speak with so many of our readers and they were so wonderfully supportive of our mission to bring thoughtful and reliable news to the community. I can’t wait for this event.”

Pit & Tap is a regular supporter of The Record, and this fundraiser is another way the restaurant is committed to supporting independent and reliable local news. The Record relies on community support to power its public-service reporting, which is always free to read.

“While restaurants, retail shops and services make local communities thrive, it’s The Record that connects us all,” Pit & Tap owner Michael Clarke said. “Pit & Tap is a BIG fan of The Record, and we are thankful for its existence. 

“We are excited to have Joe back behind the bar on May 16 for this fundraiser. Just hoping that he sticks to breaking news and not breaking glasses.”

Last year, through a portion of the day’s sales, as well as donations in the special “news tips” jar, The Record collected more than $2,500 in contributions last year.

The Record North Shore launched its nonprofit news site in October of 2020 to restore community news to the area. The Record’s founders — Coughlin, Megan Bernard and Martin Carlino, all experienced journalists in the North Shore — began by covering New Trier Township communities and added Highland Park in 2022.

The Record was founded on the concept that reliable local reporting is a public good and should be accessible for all. A majority of the newsroom’s annual revenue comes from its readers, either through donations or subscriptions.

The Record has also started a sponsorship program catered to the local business community. To learn more, email Ryan Osborn at ryan@therecordns.org.

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

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