Time to re-open Hollywood's most infamous of Historical Monuments!

[RonRosas]

Yep, Hollywood Billiards! They turned it into a sports bar and it didn't last 6 months!
And they were doing great business! Now there are literally no pool halls in the Hollywood area, unless you count "Penthouse" or as its now called the Brick Shit House on wilcox, that where all Hollywood Billiards tables ended up, after ther felted them red to give the players the brush off. To play on decent equipment, you have to go to one of the House of Billiards in Sherman Oaks or Santa Monica! Thank God for Million Dollar Billiards in Noth Hollywood, or the Plush Pocket, or down to Golden cue or Hard Times!
Someone needs to invest and register Hollywood Billiards as a Historic Landmark! And do it right, there's room for a Proshop up front, maybe Corey Harper could move his shop there! and plenty of r00m ! an upstairs VIP membership area! The idea
s are limitless! A Great place for POV Pool to set upstairs, and bleachers for big games a smoking area! Screw Brooklyn! Live from Downtown Hollywood! The Billiard Capital of the world (it could be!) More halls closing, Jakes in Pasadena. I count more 7 footers now then regulation size tables! Its a shame!

Someone needs to reopen the historic Hollywood Landmark "Hollywood" Billiards!

A MUST READ!

David Sapolis
The biggest problem that I encounter while working with other players is not the fact that they miss shots - or that they lack confidence - or that they lack skill. The biggest problem that I encounter with pool players is their resistance to change.

I believe that our resistance to change is natural. It's normal to believe that we are doing things the correct way. It is natural to to believe that everything that you are doing as you are trying to win is all in your best interests.

Personally, "my way" was not always in my best interests. My results reflected that. When bad results come from good intentions, then that is probably a good time to get out of your own way. Easier said than done, so ... how do you get out of your own way?

Many of us have this thing called an "ego". That "ego thing" tells us that we know all there is to know about ourselves - and that we can take care of ourselves better than anybody else. Both on and off the table, this "ego thing" has caused me more trouble than anything else. That "ego thing" will stall your progress and shackle you to your own ignorance and smother you in frustration. I've been there.

You see, I had this revelation several years ago ... If I really had all of the answers then why the hell did I still have so many questions? Seriously ... what did I really know - and why was I holding on so tightly to ideals that were making me miserable?

The truth was that I didn't know what was good for me because I hadn't figured what was bad for me. Getting out of my own way meant that I had to shut my mouth and listen to other people. The best way I found to smash my ego was to just shut up and listen. Of course, there would still be that natural resistance to change - but I had to learn how to silence that little voice inside of my head that says that my old, ineffective way is the better way.

Nobody gets good all by themselves. It takes a lot of work - it takes a lot of practice - it takes commitment, dedication - and you have to ask the RIGHT PEOPLE a lot of questions. Then you have to shut up long enough to HEAR the answers. Personally, I have been blessed with so many great people in my life that have helped me with my game. Here is the short list of the people that have helped me both directly - and indirectly. I am so grateful for the time that they have taken to share their skill and their knowledge - either personally - or through books/videos/ DVD's - or just playing their heart out. Thank you!

"Malibu" mmmCisero Murphy (RIP) - (14.1 - patterns and strategy)
Steve Mizerak (RIP) - (14.1 - patterns - mechanics - humility)
Grady Mathews -(RIP) - (14.1/1pocket strategy - persistence - dedication)
Cowboy Jimmy - Moore - (RIP) (14.1 - patterns - strategy - winning)
Buddy Hall (position - shot-making - cue ball control - simplicity)
Louie Roberts (RIP) - (killer instinct - confidence)
Jimmy Reid - (Attitude - the break - game management - kicking systems)
Joe Tucker - (teaching - aiming - practicing - attention to detail - ingenuity)
Earl Strickland - (tenacity - shot making - never giving up)
Stan Shuffett - (aiming - simplicity - the mental game - coaching)
John Schmidt - (14.1 - 9 Ball - simplicity - professionalism)
Bob Smith - (patience - mechanics - slowing my stroke down)
Ron Rosas - (shot making - humility- kicks - perseverance - dedication - game strategy and run-outs)
Ray Martin - (14.1 - game strategy - table management - game management)
Tom Kennedy - (shot making - concentration - playing and having fun)
CJ Wiley - (the mental game - attitude - shot making - position - game strategy)
Ryan Elliott - (the mental game - coaching - helping others)
Thorsten Hohmann - (14.1/ 9 ball/10 ball game management - professionalism)
Scott Lee - (teaching - mechanics - the stroke - professionalism)
Randy Goettlicher - (Learning - being a student - the stroke - teaching)
Angelina Paglia - (determination - dedication - positivity)
Max Eberle - (competitive confidence - mechanics - strategy - attitude)
Nick Varner - (Consistency - dedication - winning attitude)

Like I said ... this is just my short list (no offense to Tom Kennedy). grin emoticon If you ever have a chance to watch - play - or talk to any of the people on this list - leave your ego at the door - and take advantage of it!

 

[Johnnyt]

Thank you for the trip down memory lane. Great post. Johnnyt

 

[Runner]

Ronnie's right...

Plus 100, Ronnie!

I can't even count how many serious pool players in L.A. mention that they miss Hollywood Billiards, at the original site. Going down there you just smelled the action!
When they moved, it started out all right... then they'd have a private party for a film opening or something, no general public that night. The bar started getting spendy,
very cork-sniffing attitude... it turned into another sports bar for bangers, not a serious pool hall. And then it folded....

Unfortunately, with real estate in L.A. so expensive and the cost of doing business so
high now, I don't think we'll see a Hollywood Billiards type situation in Hollywood/
West L.A. Look what happened with the Hollywood Athletic Club... gone as well.

Hell, one of my business buddies ( a player) even thought about opening an upscale
smaller room in the South Bay... started pricing buildings. Found an old furniture store,
which would have been perfect, in Old Town Torrance. The building? $1.8M asking.
The math doesn't add up... salaries, insurance, liability, etc.

Anyways, off to Hard Times in Bellflower.

 

[POVPOOL]

Good post, Ron,
I have a friend who, is seeking a 'silent partner' to fill the void in the Hollywood area and open a new room. I even made some calls to try and find Jeff Bey and see if he'd be interested in selling the name 'Hollywood Billiards' at a fair price. My investor friend stated that he is liquid for a 'hefty sum' (To be discussed in private) and needs a 'silent' to go in for about $1,000,000 also. This already established business owner is willing to handle all the operations, promotions and build the customer base during the first year while it starts to generate profits. The intention would be to re-ignite the vision and atmosphere of the previous Hollywood Billiards and to revitalize the pool scene that was thriving in that area over 5 years ago.

I don't know why Jeff Bey did what he did by turning that beautiful 30,000 sq ft space into a 'Laser Pool' destination point. By the time it happened I had already quit bartending there. What I learned later was that he struck a deal with some guys who claimed they did marketing with The Saddle Ranch. More like rejects from The Saddle Ranch. I'm not sure how true all of this is, but one thing's for certain, I was told by a close friend and regular customer of Mr. Bey's that he called about 9 months after the Laser Pool facelift, stating his regrets about the whole thing. He had fired the socialites managing the joint and sold the property. End of story.

Anyway, if anyone would like to contact me with an investment possibility regarding the resurrection of pool in the Hollywood area, I still have this friend who owns a pool hall and knows what he's doing. I'm happy to steer or arrange a meeting or two.

--------------
On another note... Where the heck did you go, Ron? You were supposed to play the Hard Times 10 Ball and One Pocket last July. Michael Murphy told me you were going to play and I even published an announcement on my website that you'd play. I'm a little disappointed because I really wanted to see you play again, but I guess I'll get over it.

Keep Loving Pool!

POV Pool - Streaming live and free on September 19th, 2015.

 

[Runner]

Hollywood

Good post, Ron,
I have a friend who, is seeking a 'silent partner' to fill the void in the Hollywood area and open a new room. I even made some calls to try and find Jeff Bey and see if he'd be interested in selling the name 'Hollywood Billiards' at a fair price. My investor friend stated that he is liquid for a 'hefty sum' (To be discussed in private) and needs a 'silent' to go in for about $1,000,000 also. This already established business owner is willing to handle all the operations, promotions and build the customer base during the first year while it starts to generate profits. The intention would be to re-ignite the vision and atmosphere of the previous Hollywood Billiards and to revitalize the pool scene that was thriving in that area over 5 years ago.

I don't know why Jeff Bey did what he did by turning that beautiful 30,000 sq ft space into a 'Laser Pool' destination point. By the time it happened I had already quit bartending there. What I learned later was that he struck a deal with some guys who claimed they did marketing with The Saddle Ranch. More like rejects from The Saddle Ranch. I'm not sure how true all of this is, but one thing's for certain, I was told by a close friend and regular customer of Mr. Bey's that he called about 9 months after the Laser Pool facelift, stating his regrets about the whole thing. He had fired the socialites managing the joint and sold the property. End of story.

Anyway, if anyone would like to contact me with an investment possibility regarding the resurrection of pool in the Hollywood area, I still have this friend who owns a pool hall and knows what he's doing. I'm happy to steer or arrange a meeting or two.

--------------
On another note... Where the heck did you go, Ron? You were supposed to play the Hard Times 10 Ball and One Pocket last July. Michael Murphy told me you were going to play and I even published an announcement on my website that you'd play. I'm a little disappointed because I really wanted to see you play again, but I guess I'll get over it.

Keep Loving Pool!

POV Pool - Streaming live and free on September 19th, 2015.

Oh yeah!... the Laser Pool fiasco... pretty much "Glow Bowling" only it don't work for serious pool. I guess Jeff listened to the wrong people... guys that are looking to make a quick buck and move on, leaving a crater behind them.

I think the building on Hwd Blvd. is still available. Getting the name would be great..
second choice is AMES. ;^D

Hope something happens.

 

[Runner]

Good post, Ron,
I have a friend who, is seeking a 'silent partner' to fill the void in the Hollywood area and open a new room. I even made some calls to try and find Jeff Bey and see if he'd be interested in selling the name 'Hollywood Billiards' at a fair price. My investor friend stated that he is liquid for a 'hefty sum' (To be discussed in private) and needs a 'silent' to go in for about $1,000,000 also. This already established business owner is willing to handle all the operations, promotions and build the customer base during the first year while it starts to generate profits. The intention would be to re-ignite the vision and atmosphere of the previous Hollywood Billiards and to revitalize the pool scene that was thriving in that area over 5 years ago.

I don't know why Jeff Bey did what he did by turning that beautiful 30,000 sq ft space into a 'Laser Pool' destination point. By the time it happened I had already quit bartending there. What I learned later was that he struck a deal with some guys who claimed they did marketing with The Saddle Ranch. More like rejects from The Saddle Ranch. I'm not sure how true all of this is, but one thing's for certain, I was told by a close friend and regular customer of Mr. Bey's that he called about 9 months after the Laser Pool facelift, stating his regrets about the whole thing. He had fired the socialites managing the joint and sold the property. End of story.

Anyway, if anyone would like to contact me with an investment possibility regarding the resurrection of pool in the Hollywood area, I still have this friend who owns a pool hall and knows what he's doing. I'm happy to steer or arrange a meeting or two.

--------------
On another note... Where the heck did you go, Ron? You were supposed to play the Hard Times 10 Ball and One Pocket last July. Michael Murphy told me you were going to play and I even published an announcement on my website that you'd play. I'm a little disappointed because I really wanted to see you play again, but I guess I'll get over it.

Keep Loving Pool!

POV Pool - Streaming live and free on September 19th, 2015.

POV, here's that Torrance space my business buddy was looking at.. it ain't Hwd, but
he said it's two stories inside, second floor loft, exposed brick... pretty cool.
Too much $$, methinks.

http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/18908463/1504-Cabrillo-Avenue-Torrance-CA/

 

[Mark Griffin]

Egads!

Hope there is some parking close by. the lot is 8,200 feet. I'm betting the building footprint is 6,000 feet. 2,200 feet for parking????????????

No thanks -

Markg

 

[Runner]

Egads!

Hope there is some parking close by. the lot is 8,200 feet. I'm betting the building footprint is 6,000 feet. 2,200 feet for parking????????????

No thanks -

Markg

I know, right?... my buddy said the same thing... especially at that price. It's on Cabrillo
which has a lot of street parking, but at night, who knows?

 

[3RAILKICK]

Egads!

Hope there is some parking close by. the lot is 8,200 feet. I'm betting the building footprint is 6,000 feet. 2,200 feet for parking????????????

No thanks -

Markg

I wasn't there much..(a little too far from Inland Empire) but did go for a couple 'Swannees'.

Limited parking was valet IIRC.

Parking in sketchy alleys or 3 blocks away in residential areas were the parking alternatives...

I wasn't there for last Swannee? after tables and chalk turned red. (heard several players unhappy about red shafts)

The upper deck viewing was cool.

 

[Nostroke]

When they came with the red cloth- i started wishing the place out of business and it didnt take long!!

 

[POVPOOL]

POV, here's that Torrance space my business buddy was looking at.. it ain't Hwd, but
he said it's two stories inside, second floor loft, exposed brick... pretty cool.
Too much $$, methinks.

http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/18908463/1504-Cabrillo-Avenue-Torrance-CA/

I personally feel that the void we are speaking of can only be filled in the Hollywood area (East Hollywood, Echo Park, Silverlake, West Hollywood).

One of the coolest things about Hollywood Billiards were the random appearances of Hollywood's elite, with their cues in hand looking for a game or a pool lesson. I really don't think a room in Torrance would capture that vibe. HB became a regular watering hole for film producers, cast and crews from surrounding studios and much, much more... Musicians, artists, great pool players, gamblers and all the wannabees they roll with...

Hollywood truly is, where the 'cream of the crop meets the scum of the earth' and a full service poolhall is a most welcome host to all those it brings.

 

[Runner]

I personally feel that the void we are speaking of can only be filled in the Hollywood area (East Hollywood, Echo Park, Silverlake, West Hollywood).

One of the coolest things about Hollywood Billiards were the random appearances of Hollywood's elite, with their cues in hand looking for a game or a pool lesson. I really don't think a room in Torrance would capture that vibe. HB became a regular watering hole for film producers, cast and crews from surrounding studios and much, much more... Musicians, artists, great pool players, gamblers and all the wannabees they roll with...

Hollywood truly is, where the 'cream of the crop meets the scum of the earth' and a full service poolhall is a most welcome host to all those it brings.

Agreed, POV... truly miss HB, especially the original location. I hope someone can make it work... location, location.

 

[overlord]

I am a little confused by Ron's post. HB is not coming back in its current location. Its gonna be a large apartment building in the near future. Now as far as another location that's a different thing.

 

[POVPOOL]

I am a little confused by Ron's post. HB is not coming back in its current location. Its gonna be a large apartment building in the near future. Now as far as another location that's a different thing.

I think that's just Ron's wishful thinking... trying to rustle up the buzz a little. As far as I know, there currently are no plans to re-open HB anywhere. Unless you've heard different, Ian? I seem to remember that you brokered the deal for Jeff to sell that location. Have you spoken to him about any new plans in the coming years/months?

 

[overlord]

I think that's just Ron's wishful thinking... trying to rustle up the buzz a little. As far as I know, there currently are no plans to re-open HB anywhere. Unless you've heard different, Ian? I seem to remember that you brokered the deal for Jeff to sell that location. Have you spoken to him about any new plans in the coming years/months?

I have not. It would be very hard cause lease rates have gone way up in the city. The pool rooms that work are ones that have had long term ownership of the real estate plus the business.

The Brick Yard rooms that are in the old N. Hollywood Billiards and the old Penthouse Billiards in Hollywood are really just saloons with red clothed pool tables in them. There is no serious pool going on in either of these rooms.

The obvious place for Hollywood Billiards to go is back in the basement from which it came. Does anybody know what they are using the basement for these days? I don't know how much parking is a that location now. There is gonna be a 280 unit project right next to that building soon.

 

[Runner]

The basement....

I have not. It would be very hard cause lease rates have gone way up in the city. The pool rooms that work are ones that have had long term ownership of the real estate plus the business.

The Brick Yard rooms that are in the old N. Hollywood Billiards and the old Penthouse Billiards in Hollywood are really just saloons with red clothed pool tables in them. There is no serious pool going on in either of these rooms.

The obvious place for Hollywood Billiards to go is back in the basement from which it came. Does anybody know what they are using the basement for these days? I don't know how much parking is a that location now. There is gonna be a 280 unit project right next to that building soon.

I go up to Hollywood all the time for my work... I'm going to cruise by the old building and see what's up... that would be a hat trick, right? HB back at the old site!
Apparently the building was damaged in the '94 quake and had to be retrofitted,
bolted. Here's a snap in 2012.

 

[POVPOOL]

My contact has already stated that he is NOT interested in leasing a building but rather owning.

It's nice to see a few fellows showing slight interest in resurrecting the place or at least just pool in that area. The population density there is getting ridiculous. What about ThaiTown? Maybe there would be some real estate along that part Hollywood.

 

[Runner]

Hollywood Billiards V=2

My contact has already stated that he is NOT interested in leasing a building but rather owning.

It's nice to see a few fellows showing slight interest in resurrecting the place or at least just pool in that area. The population density there is getting ridiculous. What about ThaiTown? Maybe there would be some real estate along that part Hollywood.

I'm afraid that's pretty congested too... went through there about a week ago.. amazing amount of people on foot, buses, etc.

What about lower Hollywood, close to Wilshire and 6th area?... there's some empty buildings there... I'll take a look.

 

[wayne]

I go up to Hollywood all the time for my work... I'm going to cruise by the old building and see what's up... that would be a hat trick, right? HB back at the old site!
Apparently the building was damaged in the '94 quake and had to be retrofitted,
bolted. Here's a snap in 2012.

I am pretty sure the basement location (where Hollywood Billiards was located) no longer exists. I think when they retrofitted it the basement area became a big part of the retrofit and is no longer usable space.

 

[Runner]

I am pretty sure the basement location (where Hollywood Billiards was located) no longer exists. I think when they retrofitted it the basement area became a big part of the retrofit and is no longer usable space.

I think you're right... a buddy told me about the same thing. The old stairway to the basement (HB) from the street isn't there, and the basement is accessible from inside only.. I'm guessing it's storage. Guess it's hard going back in time!

Sure had some great times and action there.








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