If the name Bawka's Tavern brings about images of a certain tall, hairy Star Wars character, you're not wrong. Owner Matthew Skinner says the name for the new bar & restaurant came from a nickname given to him by his older brother, Kyle.

When I was growing up, my brother Kyle couldn't say Matthew so he was calling me 'Chewey.'

The nickname evolved to "Chewbacca" after Kyle saw Star Wars for the first time and eventually was shortened to just Bawka. Using the nickname was a no-brainer for Matthew when naming his new restaurant.

Bawka's Tavern is keeping up the tradition of being Binghamton's only country bar in what was formerly the location of The Ranch. Matthew Skinner says he wanted to be a chef ever since he was in fifth grade and owning a bar & restaurant by the time he turned 30 ultimately became his goal. He has been cooking for 12 years and has a lot of people to thank for getting him to where he is today including Le Cordon Bleu and former owner of The Ranch, Jon Frisbie.

Bawka's Tavern/Facebook
Bawka's Tavern/Facebook
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Describe the typical Bawka's Tavern Customer.
MATTHEW SKINNER: Here at Bawka's we welcome everyone as family. The ideal customers are all ages. If you like to eat great food for a great price, have a family atmosphere, have drinks and fun, and/or watch some sport, then we are the place for you. So come on down and join this large family of ours!

Matthew Skinner
Matthew Skinner
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We know you are revamping the menu, what are you most excited about from the new menu offerings?
MS: This new menu has a wide variety of items. The top three things I am most excited about is gator, the variety of options, and also chicken riggies!

Matthew Skinner
Matthew Skinner
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Is there something on the new menu that you personally could eat every day?
MS: Our Jackson Philly. I am a cheesesteak lover and have had Philly's all over the Broome County area.The way ours is prepped is different than every other place. We use freshly shaved meat to make this an outstanding sandwich.

Matthew Skinner
Matthew Skinner
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How did you find the money to purchase The Ranch and turn it into Bawka's Tavern?
MS: I have been saving for this goal of mine ever since I got my first job. With my goal always in mind, once the funds hit what my business plan numbers were, I began looking for a location. That being said, I chose The Ranch because I love the location and its country theme.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking of launching a small business, what would it be?
MS: Set goals for yourself. Make sure it's something you're passionate about and dedicate yourself to it as the owner as well as an employee. Also, a big thing is to have a set business plan and stick to it -- don't fade off of it!

301 Conklin Avenue | (607) 765-1394


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