A year and a half ago, when some independent businesses were struggling to stay afloat, Playtime Billiards listened to customers and began adding more entertainment options and increased signage. The expenditures that drew in new business is a move the General Manager of the Portage entertainment spot, Jim Reinholt, does not regret.
"We had 14 employees at the start of last year and we’ve got 17 right now," Reinholt says. "And it’s because we’ve been able to add more services for our patrons."
Among them is what Reinholt named "The Party Pit" in the back of the building, with Karaoke and live music (on Friday, Saturday and Monday evenings) as well as food and drinks.
"People were asking for a place to sit, listen to music and eat," he says. "So that’s what we gave them."
Additionally, an expanded patio area gives customers a chance to do all of the same things outdoors during warmer weather.
"We’ve got a gazebo out there, and outdoor pool table, a couch, rocking chairs--it seats about 50 people," he says. "And we added five more 55-inch flat screens inside."
The gamers that show up to play the 19 indoor pool tables at Billiards can now catch football, baseball, basketball and other sports all over the hall while they enjoy their pool. Those who come in for business lunches can bring along work due to the recently added free Wi-Fi as well.
A large L.E.D. sign lures traffic to the Billiards hall that offers so much more--like food that includes wraps, nachos and their specialty--the hand-tossed brick oven pizzas that have come to draw a new revenue stream with the take-out crowd.
"I’d put our pizzas up against anybody’s," Reinholt says.
Business has bolted from 25-35 percent during past year and Reinholt says that it’s all about expanded bang for the tightened buck.
"Discretionary funds are down," he says. "People want as much entertainment as they can get for their money now."
Writer: Kelle Barr, Second Wave
Source: Jim Reinholt, Playtime Billiards
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