PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Hellers embody a true Philly love story.
Kristen and Sam Heller’s romance started at McGillin's Olde Ale House after the Broad Street Run. They are among many couples who credit the popular bar as the start of their relationship.
They had no idea the decisions they made after the 2016 Broad Street Run would change everything.
“I didn't really want to go out, but my friends forced me out and of course, we went to McGillin's, where we always went,” said Kristen.
“I was just looking around,” said Sam. “I don't know if you want to call it ‘runner's high’ or whatever, but I had this confidence. And I saw her face and I was like, ‘That's a pretty face.’”
The couple said Sam sat down at Kristen’s table when one of her friends got up to go to the bathroom.
Related
“I was like, ‘I ran 10 miles today in the rain. Do you mind if I sit down?’” Sam said. “And she said, ‘No, that's my friend's seat.’”
Although nothing came out of that night, the two ran into each other again a week later at McGillin's, then again in other parts of the city.
Fast forward to now, and the couple is happily married and expecting their first child.
Christopher Mullins, a co-owner of McGillin's near the corner of South 13th and Drury streets in Center City, claims more couples have met at his bar than anywhere else in the city.
“When we find out about them, it's exciting because it's like finding a new little treasure. Somebody else who's lives started here at McGillin's,” said Mullins. “There's something in the water that keeps the relationships together.”
In fact, they created a guest book for couples who met there to sign and leave their photograph. To date, more than 250 people have said McGillin’s was the start to their love story.
Related
“You can go online and swipe right, swipe left and do all that kind of stuff,” said Mullins. “But it's a lot more fun to have a drink and meet somebody's eye across the room.”
Just like a husband and wife that have been married close to 50 years did in 1972.
It was April of that year when, Eileen Kennedy said, she and a friend decided to go to McGillin’s where a live band was playing next to an open dance floor.
“There was this long table, all guys and one woman,” said Kennedy. “One of the guys said, 'Well, you can sit here.' And we kind of were skeptical of sitting with them, but we did.”
It turns out that table was filled with people who worked for the FBI, with weapons put away and worries left at the office.
Related
“It was a wonderful time,” said Gordon Zacrep. He said he started talking to Kennedy, danced with her a bit, and said they kept chatting until the sun came up.
“I ended up calling her later and we got together again a few times,” he added. “And it got better and better.”
It got even better for Kennedy and Zacrep, who will be celebrating 49 years of marriage in June. And they weren’t the only couple who met there on that April night.
Eileen’s friend accompanied her to the bar the night she met Gordon. That friend ended up marrying one of the other agents who worked with Gordon.
Love has remained in the air at McGillin's, and you might just find it on the other side of your glass of beer.