The bar location, The Croatian Club in Buffalo, was founded in 1923 to serve a large Croatian population in the Riverside and Black Rock neighborhoods. During the early 60s, the Croatian Club was frequented by Buffalo Bills head coach Lou Saban, himself of Croatian decent.
Yankee legend Mickey Mantle's autograph is displayed in the bar next to figurines of Mantle and Yankee Stadium. Mantle visited the Croatian Club after his playing days ended.
William Fichtner (Emmerit) was raised in Cheektowaga, NY, and graduated from Maryvale High School, locations not far from where much of the film was shot.