Local coffee shop's new tradition saves another turkey

COVINGTON, Ky. — Goebel Gobbler, a turkey, can count his blessings, having made it through this year's Thanksgiving holiday unscathed thanks to Bean Haus Coffee Shop.

Named for former Kentucky governor William Goebel, the one-year-old turkey was rescued by Bean Haus owner Tim Eversole from a farm in Hillsboro, where he was set for slaughter.

"He'll probably live another 8, 9 years on a farm," said Eversole. "He's gonna live a great life."

Eversole is a self-proclaimed animal lover, and made a hole for Goebel outside the Covington coffee shop, where he became somewhat of a Mainstrausse staple.

"Whenever I pull my car in, he knows my car," said Robert McGrayne, a customer at Bean Haus Coffee Shop and Bakery. "And when I pull out my keys, he's like 'Oh, it's play time.'"

Goebel will continue to lead his life of leisure at his new home with a Covington police officer who offered to adopt him.

Eversole said the officer stopped by the shop one day for a cup of coffee, and offered up his farm as a future home for Goebel.

He's pardoned five turkeys over the last 10 years so far, and it's become a Bean Haus Thanksgiving tradition. During Easter season, the shop plans to save and adopt out rabbits as well.