There are multiple names on the 2022 Best of Marathon ballot for “Best Bartender.” But if you ask the drink-slingers around town, including the other gentlemen nominated for the award, there’s only one choice.
Known as the beautiful blonde mainstay behind the bar at Keys Fisheries for well over a decade, Shannon Gosselin passed away after an extended battle with cancer in December 2021. What began as breast cancer soon metastasized, but as the cancer grew, so did the legendary support from the Marathon community for one of its most beloved bartenders.
“It speaks to our town,” said Gosselin’s longtime boyfriend, Bill Alch. “I can’t tell you how much support that, what I would call basically strangers, how much support they gave us. It was an incredible outpouring.”
When the 2022 Best of Marathon nominations opened, fellow Keys Fisheries bartender Rachel Bowman knew the name to write. What started with a Facebook post soon turned into a widespread community effort to posthumously honor Gosselin with an award she would never ask for, but by all accounts deserves.
“The bar was a big part of Shannon’s life,” said Alch. “She loved being there, and that was all she wanted to do. She loved the local people and the local girls she worked with.”
With the initial nomination secured, Gosselin’s friends and family need the community’s help to get her across the finish line. For the record: In all other cases, Keys Weekly remains unbiased in our Best of Marathon voting. But when our community and the other nominees themselves speak, we listen. Don’t just take our word for it. Keep reading to find out what other Marathon bartenders have to say about the lovely Ms. Gosselin.
“Last year I held a benefit for a local family that was dealing with cancer. Shannon had Bill stop by with a very generous donation. After all she had been through and was going through, she still made it a point to help out a total stranger. I reached out to her to say thanks, and she said, ‘You wouldn’t believe how much I love this town. So many people have helped me and shown me love, I’m so happy to be able to help.’ This is why Overseas nominates Shannon for best bartender, and person.”
-Andy Sharf, Overseas Pub & Grill
“Anyone who met Shannon knew that she had a huge heart. She loved being behind the bar and she was just an amazing person all around. I really encourage everyone to please honor her memory and vote for Shannon for best bartender! She would’ve loved to see her town support her the way she would support any of us!”
-Cheddar, Overseas Pub & Grill
“I always joked and said Shannon was a human unicorn, because she really was magical. She always had a smile that was unmatched and brightened any day. To know her was to love her. She always made every customer feel like family and so welcomed. She was a rockstar behind the bar despite all she went through. Winning best bartender was always something she wanted but would never ask for, so winning this award would be an amazing way to honor her memory and keep that magic alive.”
-Lauren Barbush, Keys Fisheries
“Customers will still come in and ask about the blonde with the big smile they met 10 years ago; she had a huge presence in that bar. She was so pretty and had such a sweet face that you’d never know she also had the absolute filthiest sense of humor, and that was my favorite thing about her! We were both control freaks, so we would argue about work stuff, and then an hour later she’s sending me perverted Star Wars memes. It’s always going to be Shannon’s bar, regardless of who works there.”
-Rachel Bowman, Keys Fisheries
“I knew Shannon Gosselin for 15+ years. Keys Fisheries Bar was her stronghold. From her loyal patrons to all the employees that worked with her, she was absolutely loved by all. The level of passion she had for that establishment is unparalleled.”
-Greg D’Agostino, former Keys Fisheries manager
“Shannon is one of the brightest, silliest and kindest souls you’d ever meet. Truly the most selfless person I’ve ever had the pleasure of calling my friend. She’s definitely looking down with that same huge smile she never left home without, just overjoyed at the love and support everyone has shown. She positively impacted so many more lives than she’ll ever get to know and winning would’ve been the coolest thing in the world to her. Let’s vote for Shannon and give back some of the love and good vibes she was constantly spreading to others!”
-Lora Gibbs, Sparky’s Landing
“Shannon was the best bartender ever. Her happiness rubbed off on everyone she met. She inspired me to make the most out of each day and to squeeze the juice out of life. Shannon’s infectious smile and poetic delivery of the Keys Fish sunset toast made her the best bartender. Voting her as Best Bartender 2022 is a great way to honor the memory of such an amazing human being.”
-Rachel Vollemans, ran Boston Marathon in Shannon’s honor
