Bruno’s ‘The Wizard’ Asks for Aid From Community

After 33 years of serving Rogers Park at local liquor store and dive bar Bruno’s Lounge, Mike Rubenstein — better known by students as “The Wizard” for his long beard and hair — is enlisting community support for an ongoing heart condition through donations. 

For over three decades, Rubenstein has been employed as a store clerk and stockman at Bruno’s on North Sheridan Road. Raised on The South Side by immigrant parents, Rubenstein said he acquired the job in 1991 by  chance encounter — receiving the job offer after making a quick stop at the store for cigarettes. Rubenstein said he later accepted the job after a week of pondering. 

“I vowed to myself whatever jobs I got, I’m not quitting Bruno’s,” Rubenstein said. “They treat me too well — like family. They couldn’t treat me any better.”

Rubenstein said he’s worked six different jobs while maintaining employment at Bruno’s. He said the flexibility, fair treatment and friendly customers contribute to his willingness to stay after so long. 

Over the span of the past year, Rubenstein said he’s experienced heart issues which could become terminal if not attended to. He said he’s suffered two heart attacks within the short timeframe.

Though he has medications as a temporary fix, Rubenstein said his heart murmur can become deadly if left without further medical intervention, requiring a series of expensive procedures. 

“I take eight pills daily,” Rubenstein said. “My condition isn’t bothersome. I feel as healthy as anyone else. But they said the pills work for about five years before the condition becomes fatal.”

Rubenstein said he first requires orthodontic work to tackle oral issues which could further complicate the surgical process if not addressed. Due to a mixture of past trauma from car accidents and general neglect, Rubenstein said he’s endured various gum diseases which have negatively impacted his oral health. 

After he obtains dental care, Rubenstein said he would then undergo an aortic valve repair surgery. The surgery, commonly referred to as a balloon valvuloplasty, involves the placement of a catheter with a balloon on the end which is inflated to enlarge the valve opening, according to Mayo Clinic. 

While Rubenstein knows what needs to be done to tackle his struggles, he said affordability is a main deterrent from getting the care he needs. His current medical insurance doesn’t cover the full cost and the remainder, which he estimates to be around $20,000, is too great for him to pay on his own, according to Rubenstein. 

Hoping community outreach can reduce his financial burden, Rubenstein took his cause to GoFundMe in mid-October. So far, he’s raised about one-tenth of his $20,000 goal.  

For many, Rubenstein has been accepted into the Loyola community, according to fourth-year marketing major Amari White. 

“He’s definitely a part of Loyola culture,” White said. “Even the fact that he has a nickname, The Wizard, tells that he’s a staple to students who live around here. He’s iconic.”

While not employed by the university, Rubenstein said he feels welcomed by students. 

“One thing I’ll say about Loyola students — they’re so nice to me,” Rubenstein said. “All my 33 years, even their grandparents have been in front of me buying liquor. I know all of them and they’ve always been so kind.”

Despite what lies ahead, Rubenstein said he’s maintained an optimistic outlook on his situation and has always been able to find positive moments in trying times.

“It doesn’t make me nervous that all that’s gonna happen,” Rubenstein said. “  I always tell people I barely have gray hair because I never worry about what’s gonna happen. It doesn’t make a difference — why worry about it?”

By working less, Rubenstein said he’s had more time to reflect on his years at Bruno’s. He said working there has allowed him to build a legacy patrons can benefit from. 

“I help so many people with their mental distress and their problems at the bar,” Rubenstein said. “I don’t know why they confide in me. Because of the long hair, maybe. But they do, and I talk them out of it. That makes me so glad because no one else would watch out for the people in there.”

Rubenstein said he would like to give thanks to all who have donated to his cause thus far. For those who cannot donate but would like to support The Wizard, his only request is to keep him in their prayers. 
Students who would like to donate to Rubenstein’s cause can access his GoFundMe page by searching ‘Michael Rubenstein’ on the online platform.