Lincoln man starts tabs at local bars to help business

Nick Tarlowski is calling this act of service 'Give and Let Live!' and its taken off.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) –After a good deed from his friend at Pepe’s Bistro, Nick Tarlowski thought of the perfect idea to pay it forward. He’s been starting $100 tabs at local bars to help stimulate business in tough times as new restrictions took place.

“It basically makes every bar that doesn’t have a kitchen a liquor store honestly, with to-go cocktails mind you. It’s going to effect their sales, how they can staff, it’s going to effect everything about that small business,” Tarlowski said.

Tarlowski started at the 1867 bar and was immediately blown away by what unfolded.

“What ended up happening there was people come in, they get their choices and then they throw even more money on and then the tab didn’t dwindle down it grew, and it grew, and it grew and, it lasted for several days,” he said.

Ever since, everyone has been paying it forward. Tarlowski says he’s called a number of bars asking if they’d like to open a tab but instead, they wanted others to have the help.

Neighbors helping neighbors has been the overwhelming response. Tarlowski set up a fundraiser for people to donate and start more tabs and it continues to grow by the minute.

He said while it’s heartwarming to see, it certainly wasn’t surprising.

“I grew up here. I know what its like to live here. People are generous they care about each other,” Tarlowski said.