Former LH basketball star Gerard runs local pub
Kelly Tunney | Herald-Standard
Former NBA player Gus Gerard and his wife, Pam, opened Gus’s Pub on Fayette Street in Uniontown.
Kelly Tunney | Herald-Standard
Gus’s Pub on Fayette Street opened just before St. Patrick’s Day and will host a “Fun Day” on July 15.
Kelly Tunney | Herald-Standard
Uniontown native Gus Gerard talks to customer Ken Valencik of Uniontown as he eats his antipasta salad.
Gus's Pub in Uniontown is owned by Gus Gerard, a Uniontown native who went on to play in the NBA and the ABA.
Gus Gerard is no stranger to the big stage, as the former Laurel Highlands basketball star was in the ACC at the University of Virginia before playing professional basketball in the ABA and NBA.
Gerard, who grew up in Uniontown, has returned home with his wife, Pam, and the two own Gus’s Pub on East Fayette Street near Uniontown Area High School.
The couple opened the bar before St. Patrick’s Day and Gerard is happy with how things have turned out.
“It has exceeded our expectations,” Gerard said referring to the pub being a success. “Not only have we had guests from Uniontown, but from other areas as well.”
Gerard does his best to come by and say hi to everyone who walks in the pub, whether they are newcomers or longtime friends.
“I do my best to talk to everyone and I’ll try to answer every question,” Gerard said. “Pam is not originally from this area, but she has such a wonderful personality and gets along with everybody. It is a great way for us to meet new people.”
The custom with many sports bars is to line its walls with pictures of past teams, players and coaches.
The difference in Gus’s Pub is that the owner is on many walls. Gerard’s photographs range from his days in high school to playing against Julius Erving, to games at the Uniontown YMCA.
“That is what we were shooting for,” Gerard said. “My hometown people remember me for my basketball. There are a lot of great athletes on the walls in the pub, and we have been blessed with so many great coaches like George Bortz, C. Vivian Stringer, Lash Nesser, Harold “Horse” Taylor and Abe Everhart.
“However, you don’t have to be a Hall of Famer to be on the wall. We have current high school athletes like Laurel Highlands softball player Hailee Rusko on our wall. It is great for people that enjoy sports and a very safe atmosphere. We have four HD TVs and a great staff.”
Gerard battled with drug and alcohol addiction during his pro career, but the former Mustang has stayed sober for 24 years as of May 26, which raises the question why he would own an establishment that serves alcohol.
“I toyed with the fact being around alcohol and I can’t predict what will happen but I always try to talk to someone, mediate and pray,” Gerard said. “If I have to, I go to a meeting and it is by the grace of God I have stayed sober this last 24 years.”
Gerard is glad to create an atmosphere where people can come, eat, socialize, listen to music and watch sports.
“Pam and I feel we are giving a service back to the community,” Gerard said.
Gerard is planning “Gus’s Fun Day” in the parking lot of his pub on July 15 with a car show, live music, food and vendors. Admission to the event is free of charge.