Matthew Gorby
By ISAIAH FRIZZELL
One of the most common things you’ll hear from residents of Sun Valley is just how at home they feel here. The natural splendor, the lifestyle and, most of all, the community vibe. It’s a verifiable presence not only in function or duty, but in the minds and hearts of the residents. We wave, say hello, spend those 5 to 10 minutes catching up. It’s what makes community work and why everyone wants to live here.
Matthew Gorby, or “Gorby” as he’s known around the Valley, is a local legend as the barkeep you most definitely should meet at The Casino in Ketchum. An absolute diehard-locals bar, known for its Hamm’s beer and no-frills ‘dive’ vibes, The Casino is where you go for a welcome tipple in the evening or an afternoon coffee and creme de menthe to be social in a politics- and religion-free environment.
Gorby’s first shift at The Casino was October 28, 1994, right around Halloween as we come full circle. He claims he’s not a local, per se, but everyone will tell you otherwise and 30 years speaks for itself. Gorby grew up on the East Coast, obtained a graphic design and theater degree from Keen State in New Hampshire, and happened upon Sun Valley by accident.
“January of ’94 I was headed to California. I stopped here to visit my sister and never left. Which is the story, you know, the more you talk to some of the older generation, they came for a winter and stayed forever.”
A Sun Valley shared memory.
Gorby has a degree in theater and graphic design. When he’s not slinging suds at The Casino, he can be found helping nonprofits with his graphic design company. He also used to do the news comedy section in the Wood River Weekly back when it was The Weekly Sun.
Gorby lives to talk and 30 years at the same bar is saying a lot about the environment he works in. Gorby doesn’t drink, either. “You know, I like conversing with the locals. When I started there, there was like the same old crew, the good old boys, that came in every day for their coffee, really, and just to hang out. They’re all retired and just nice guys and whatnot. Everyone’s like, oh my God, you work at The Casino during the day? That’s when all the real alcoholics come through there. I’m like, no, these guys just want to hang out and talk. You know, I got a slice of the history of Ketchum, in the area before I was around, and I just really appreciate it.”
What’s your favorite thing to do in Sun Valley?
“You know, I love to hike. And I like to walk. And I say that because every day I walk from Starbucks [in Ketchum] to The Konditorei and back. Every day. And the thing is that I’ve done it, today’s 2,503 days in a row, right, so like I have this streak going. But a lot of people recognize me because I’m the guy that walks up and down Sun Valley Road, 365 days a year, in shorts. So I’ll have like a thick winter puffy coat and two knit caps over my head to keep warm.
One of the things I love about it is people see me in shorts and they’re like, “Well, you must live here. Can you tell me where such and such is?”
Pop in to The Casino, holler at Gorby and be sure to ask him who his favorite EDM DJ is!