Buffs 3 Closing Down
- Thread starter mnorwood
- Start date
Was there a particular problem?
According to buff he has lost money every month it’s been open.
When he bought it he only wanted the equipment and the gamb. machine license. Said if it didn't make money he would close. Buff's a sharp guy.
I was afraid this might happen. Buff is one of the top few pool hall owners I have seen. I think a big part of his success is his very hands on approach. Unfortunately he can't be two places at once. Lacy's is one of those places that requires a huge cash flow. Ten percent more than expenses and you get rich, ten percent less and you are busted in a hurry.
hu
hu
Biloxi Boy
Man With A Golden Arm
Too much of a good thing in a "small" market area. I really wish Buffalo had come over here to have a third place because we (the Mississippi Gulf Coast players) are lost in a literal pool desert. Keeping a place open is one thing, making money is entirely another. Hu is absolutely correct, management is critical, but so is clientele and another Buffalo's in Chalmette was spreading it a little too thin.
Jim-Bobs in Gulfport provides a good example -- it was a great room for many years, and it grew and nurtured a thriving pool culture around here. Hell, folks were always coming over here from New Orleans and Mobile to enjoy what we had. Then came Katrina and a whole lot of water and other problems.
For some reason, Jim and Bob never reopened. The new owner/manager after Katrina was a great guy and a good business man, but he just did not understand pool and pool players. A big part of the problem is a good pool hall is so much more than just tables and a bar. An essential element is pool clientele and the essential element in attracting and maintaining a pool clientele is management. Behind every successful pool room is an owner/manager who knows and loves pool and pool players. It just won't work any other way.
Jim-Bobs in Gulfport provides a good example -- it was a great room for many years, and it grew and nurtured a thriving pool culture around here. Hell, folks were always coming over here from New Orleans and Mobile to enjoy what we had. Then came Katrina and a whole lot of water and other problems.
For some reason, Jim and Bob never reopened. The new owner/manager after Katrina was a great guy and a good business man, but he just did not understand pool and pool players. A big part of the problem is a good pool hall is so much more than just tables and a bar. An essential element is pool clientele and the essential element in attracting and maintaining a pool clientele is management. Behind every successful pool room is an owner/manager who knows and loves pool and pool players. It just won't work any other way.
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that has nothing to do with this situation. in most cases this is correct tho, you can delegate but u really have to choose the right staff/mgr. i think the guy taking over is going to add a much bigger food menu. it is a nice place.
It is a nice place. If the owner hasn't already I would take a ride up to Fargo. Might not be the worst pool hall/meeting center to model Lacy's after. When it comes to good management, hired managers that are worth a damn are hard to come by. I bought a business. While I was signing papers the manager and his son were stealing from me. First thing I did was fire them both when I got back and saw what was going on.
For every good business manager on salary there are dozens that aren't good. Hopefully the new owner will be a hands on owner or have a good manager. I doubt Buff had a dishonest manager, still not the same as an owner. Owners cut down waste and do things differently than managers.
Good luck to Buff and the new owners too. I'm sure Buff will do fine at his Elmwood location and hopefully Lacey's will thrive. Somebody has to find a way or ways to meet a big nut. Good food is one step. Biloxi Boy is absolutely right, it also takes someone that understands pool players core deep. You only do that after being in the life for years.
Hu
Back when things were far better the US government entity promoting small businesses and small business start ups found that 85% failed within five years of start up. I don't really believe that 85% of new business owners were doing something very wrong. More common is a death of a thousand cuts. Rather than one big bleed, the business has a lot of little trickles.
Hu
The tables are stained at Buff's main room. The young beer drinkers don't know how to take care of a table, that also goes for some of the employees.
Biloxi Boy
Man With A Golden Arm
With the exception of the one or two "reserved" tables up front, around here most public tables are nicked in one way or another. Where you stand in the local pecking order usually determines the quality of table you get. I've learned to make it a point to let them know who I am when I go in a new place.
billiards_watch
Well-known member
This.
Also, spark up small talk and bad mouth the previous places you've been.
"I came to check out this place because a friend recommended this place to me. The last place had horrible tables. I would like your best table please."
Of course this has to be a decent place before you can say what I mentioned above. If it's a horrible room then keep quiet and not come back. LOL