Joe Erben

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Joseph B. Erben (born c. 1926; died March 7, 2010) was a restaurant supplier, bar owner, and musician.

Erben, the son of Jamilia and Betros Erben of Birmingham graduated from Ramsay High School and the University of Alabama. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II and continued in the Air Force Reserve. He briefly worked in sales for a beverage company before becoming a restaurant supplier. He also helped his brother Nick operate the popular Bun N' Bun drive-in at Five Points South.

After 25 years he opened Down the Hatch at the Clairmont Plaza South shopping center, and became well known as the piano bar's star attraction.

Erben retired from the bar at age 65 but continued to work as a sales representative for Precision Lighting and also continued to help Nick by running the cash register of La Paree.

Erben died in 2010. His funeral trisagion was held at Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

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