Survivor: One Santa Rosa area bartender’s fight to keep his saloon, and himself, alive

Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat

John Timberlake is not married, at the moment, though he has been in the past – four times, to be precise. And he’s not ruling out future nuptials.

“I’m not a quitter,” said Timberlake, 59. “I’m a hopeless romantic.”

If there was any quit in him, Timberlake’s bar would’ve gone belly-up several times since he bought it in 2016. But after a tense two months during the COVID-19 pandemic, when its survival hung in the balance, the Final Edition Bar & Grill in Larkfield is out of critical condition and on its way to a full recovery.

One of the best-known bartenders in Sonoma County since the mid-1980s, Timberlake always wanted a saloon of his own. He fulfilled that ambition four years ago, when he and two partners bought the Final Edition, a beloved, blue-collar neighborhood bar just off Old Redwood Highway in Larkfield.

Timberlake knew it wouldn’t be easy. He’s worked in the county’s bars and restaurants since 1984. But he wasn’t prepared for the Old Testament-caliber tribulations awaiting him, including a heart attack, two wildfires, power outages and “the virus apocalypse.”

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Kathleen Rhodes

Kathleen Rhodes, Founder of What's Up Santa Rosa

Kathleen Rhodes is the founder and CEO of Appy Marketing, a digital marketing agency that specializes in helping small businesses and startups grow their online presence. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Kathleen has a proven track record of delivering successful marketing campaigns that drive results. Her passion for technology and innovation has led her to develop cutting-edge strategies that leverage the latest digital tools and platforms. Kathleen is known for her strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to her clients’ success. Under her leadership, Appy Marketing has become a trusted partner for businesses looking to thrive in the digital age.

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