Ohio Funeral Home Applies for Liquor License in Hopes of Becoming 'Party Planner for the Dead'

Evergreen Funeral Cremation and Reception in Columbus, Ohio, has captured national attention with its innovative approach to memorial services. The funeral home, owned by Hunter Triplett, is seeking a liquor license to transform traditional funeral services into vibrant celebrations of life. While it's not the first funeral home in Ohio to serve alcohol, the buzz surrounding its application has put Evergreen in the spotlight.

Mourning Meets Merriment

According to The New York Post, Triplett envisions Evergreen as a "party planner for the dead," offering a unique spin on end-of-life celebrations. By integrating a bar into its sprawling facility, which has operated out of a former chocolate factory since 2015, the funeral home aims to provide a more festive alternative to traditional services. The idea is to keep the entire experience — wake, service, burial, and reception — under one roof, simplifying logistics for grieving families.

With an anticipated price range of $5,000–$6,000, Evergreen's all-inclusive package offers significant savings compared with the national funeral average of $10,000 or more. Triplett believes the addition of alcohol will not only make services more celebratory but also keep families on-site, reducing safety concerns such as driving to an off-premises venue for a reception.

Not the First, but the Most Talked About

Despite claims of being the first in Ohio to serve alcohol at a funeral home, Evergreen isn't breaking entirely new ground. Other Ohio establishments, such as Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation in Mentor and DeJohn Funeral Home & Celebrations Center in Chesterland, have been offering drinks for years. However, Evergreen's marketing and media coverage have made it a viral sensation, sparking discussions nationwide about the evolution of funeral traditions.

Evergreen is the only active liquor license applicant in Franklin County, and its plans to offer beer, wine, and hard liquor are pending approval for a Class D-3 license. The process includes securing a food license, passing inspections, and addressing potential objections from nearby institutions.

A Growing Trend in Funeral Services

The idea of adding a bar to funeral homes isn't new, but it's becoming increasingly popular as families move toward celebrations of life rather than somber ceremonies. States like New York have adjusted laws to permit food and drink at funeral homes, while others, including New Jersey and Massachusetts, still prohibit it.

Triplett's vision reflects this shift, catering to a growing demand for personalized, joyful memorials. By integrating alcohol, Evergreen joins a movement that redefines how we honor loved ones, offering an experience that blends tradition with modern hospitality.

Looking Ahead

As Evergreen awaits final approval, Triplett remains focused on delivering high-quality services and creating a welcoming space for families to celebrate their loved ones. Whether it's the trend of serving alcohol or the business's viral popularity, Evergreen is shaping the future of funeral services in Ohio.

References: Ohio funeral home to be first in state to serve alcohol during services: 'Party planner for the dead' | Columbus funeral home serving alcohol goes viral, but is it the first in the state? | Columbus funeral home to be first in Ohio to operate with a liquor license