With Mother Nature really giving Iowa fits in recent times, here's a cute story about a man who opened up a place welcoming serious-minded pool players. In fact, he is hoping that this pool room will be THE place to shoot pool.
In an era when pool has become almost a dirty four-letter word to business owners, this story of Americana is refreshing:
Billiard tables are scattered throughout bars and taverns in Council Bluffs - but nothing like the Pool and Paninis place opening on the West End this month.
Tucked behind Mister Money in the CLH Plaza at 3139 W. Broadway, the new billiards room will be recognizable by the big, blue two-ball and capital letter P.
"So many people play pool here like a regular sport," said Frank Hoover, owner. "Bars just don't have room for them."
With six standard-size tables and the possibility of a specialty eight-foot table in the 2,600 square-foot building, players will have plenty of room to stretch their sticks.
"All the tables are electronic and take dollar bills. They can play by the game or by time," Hoover said.
Timed play appeals to veteran sharks and those playing nine-ball, according to Hoover, because those games can end quickly.
"I hope some people will come down and start up some leagues," Hoover said.
Some regulars at his downtown establishment, 1892 German Bier Haus, plan on taking advantage of a special dart room at 2P that will be equipped with at least two boards.
The space will be completely closed off from the billiard noise so players can focus on their throws.
"A group of people from down in the bar wanted to have a dart league, but we don't have the atmosphere for that," Hoover said of the two-year-old pub at 142 W. Broadway.
The mood of the new establishment will be family-friendly, with foosball, air hockey and arcade games.
"There's a lot of kids out there with nothing fun to do with their time," Hoover said. "We'll have a bowling game and golf game. I'm going to try and get Pac Man and some other vintage games."
Minors will be welcome only until 10 p.m., because domestic beers will be on tap for the mature crowd.
"I think people will come in for a few hours before they start their night out," Hoover said.
A variety of grilled panini sandwiches will be sold all day long to please every taste.
"We'll open at about lunchtime, and food will be prepared at the bar," Hoover said. "We'll stay open until bar close."
Following a few final inspections and City Council liquor license hearing, Hoover hopes to open P2 by the end of the month.
"After all the tables are set up, we'll put railings along the walls for drinks," Hoover said. "We still have to paint some."
Hustlers should feel right at home after a professional graffiti artist adds some finishing touches for an old-fashioned pool hall flavor.
Frank Hoover, depicted below, owner of 1892 German Bier Haus, surveys the progress on his new venture, Pool and Paninis, located at 3139 W. Broadway, Council Bluffs, Iowa.
JAM
In an era when pool has become almost a dirty four-letter word to business owners, this story of Americana is refreshing:
Billiard tables are scattered throughout bars and taverns in Council Bluffs - but nothing like the Pool and Paninis place opening on the West End this month.
Tucked behind Mister Money in the CLH Plaza at 3139 W. Broadway, the new billiards room will be recognizable by the big, blue two-ball and capital letter P.
"So many people play pool here like a regular sport," said Frank Hoover, owner. "Bars just don't have room for them."
With six standard-size tables and the possibility of a specialty eight-foot table in the 2,600 square-foot building, players will have plenty of room to stretch their sticks.
"All the tables are electronic and take dollar bills. They can play by the game or by time," Hoover said.
Timed play appeals to veteran sharks and those playing nine-ball, according to Hoover, because those games can end quickly.
"I hope some people will come down and start up some leagues," Hoover said.
Some regulars at his downtown establishment, 1892 German Bier Haus, plan on taking advantage of a special dart room at 2P that will be equipped with at least two boards.
The space will be completely closed off from the billiard noise so players can focus on their throws.
"A group of people from down in the bar wanted to have a dart league, but we don't have the atmosphere for that," Hoover said of the two-year-old pub at 142 W. Broadway.
The mood of the new establishment will be family-friendly, with foosball, air hockey and arcade games.
"There's a lot of kids out there with nothing fun to do with their time," Hoover said. "We'll have a bowling game and golf game. I'm going to try and get Pac Man and some other vintage games."
Minors will be welcome only until 10 p.m., because domestic beers will be on tap for the mature crowd.
"I think people will come in for a few hours before they start their night out," Hoover said.
A variety of grilled panini sandwiches will be sold all day long to please every taste.
"We'll open at about lunchtime, and food will be prepared at the bar," Hoover said. "We'll stay open until bar close."
Following a few final inspections and City Council liquor license hearing, Hoover hopes to open P2 by the end of the month.
"After all the tables are set up, we'll put railings along the walls for drinks," Hoover said. "We still have to paint some."
Hustlers should feel right at home after a professional graffiti artist adds some finishing touches for an old-fashioned pool hall flavor.
Frank Hoover, depicted below, owner of 1892 German Bier Haus, surveys the progress on his new venture, Pool and Paninis, located at 3139 W. Broadway, Council Bluffs, Iowa.
JAM
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