Continental Who's Who

Helen Buford

Helen Buford is recognized by Continental Who’s Who for her Excellence in the field of Hospitality.  

Buford’s professional title is CEO at Julius’ Bar, located in Manhattan’s East Village. She has served in this role for the past seven years, and brings over 14 years of industry experience, as well as expertise in customer service, operations, marketing and management, to her role.  

“I pride my success on my strong customer service skills,” Buford said.  

“Julius’ is a bar that has a lot of history,” the bar’s website states. “This structure has been welcoming folks since 1840, first as a grocery store and then, in 1864 as a bar. It was built in 1826 on the corner of Amos Street (West 10th) and Factory Street (Waverly Place). Since then, we’ve started a variety of traditions at our bar.” 

The bar also has ties to the LBGTQ community’s political history, as it is one of New York City’s oldest gay bars. “During Prohibition, our bar was a popular speakeasy,” the website continues. “And, along with Nick’s at the corner of Seventh Avenue South and the nearby Village Vanguard, was frequented by many of the jazz and literary legends of the era. It started to attract a gay clientele in the 1950s and it is surely the oldest gay bar in the city and the oldest bar in the village.” April 2016 marked the 50th anniversary of the landmark event known as the ‘Sip-In’ at Julius’ Bar, during which members of the LGBTQ community challenged New York State’s prohibitions on gay bars at the time.  

To further her professional development, Buford is a member of the National Association of Professional Women, which named her as a member of the VIP Woman of the Year Circle.  

When not working, Buford volunteers her time to the Aids Walk, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the American Red Cross, Bailey House and GVSHP. She also enjoys travel, particularly to the Caribbean and Greece, and photography.  

“My advice to those entering the bar industry is to research the areas you want to specialize in and focus on clientele,” Buford said.  

For more information, please visit: www.juliusbarny.com.