Strange new idea...
I have a strange and unique idea. How about combining a billiard center with an owner who cares about pool?
Yes, I'm half joking. But in recent years, it seems to be harder and harder to find a pool hall owned by someone who loves the game.
Where I live the attitude among owners seems to be, "Why should I _____________ (fill in the blank: re-cover tables, clean restrooms), when _____________ (some other owner) doesn't do it? It's kind of like a race to the bottom.
In my humble opinion, an owner who cares about pool, and listens to the complaints and suggestions of customers will succeed in the long run.
A few years ago, Robert Byrne wrote a piece for a pool mag describing his perfect pool room. A friend and I created our version for a local publication in 2009. We rated all the local establishments on a point system, and not surprisingly none scored well.
I've been around long enough to know that billiard centers run properly generally succeed. But where I live, the philosophy seems to be: Don't show your face much or you'll have to answer criticism. Or, "I want drinkers, not pool players". Or, even worse, they promise things (re-covering, better air quality, more tournaments, etc.) and never follow through.
Pool is in expansion world-wide, but on a down-swing in this country. It's not just the economy, or lack of players, or smoking regulations, THE PROBLEM LIES PRIMARILY WITH OWNERS OF BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS WHO DON'T CARE ABOUT PROMOTING THE GAME...
Donny L
PBIA/ACS Instructor