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When 8 Ball
Willie's throws a Grand Opening, they don't mess around!
"What in the world is going on over at 8 Ball Willie's?"
That's the question everyone has been asking
About three
months ago, Lewisville was fortunate to have the Chopra
Family (Sash Chopra and his sister-in-law Sandy Chopra)
put their backing into Lewisville's longest standing
recreational billiard establishment.
The Chopra's
have a strong history of success in the hospitality
industry. Since 1978, the Chopra's have been doing
hotel and restaurant renovations in Orlando, Florida,
Lynchburg, Virginia, and Paducah, Kentucky, just to name
a few. Other endeavors include creating the "Kleen
Systems Corporation and Crystal Building Corp. in
Dallas. Recently the Chopra's acquired Click's
Billiards in Dallas and 8 Ball Willie's in Lewisville.
"Renovations
began early in January this year." said Sash Chopra
Chief Operations Director for 8 Ball Willie's
Chopra continues, "We got off to a slow start at first,
a few changes here and there, nothing really noticeable.
But then the pace rapidly began to grow, and the changes
took form. Underneath the dust, rotted carpet and
tile, emerged the 'New' 8 Ball Willie's which we're very
proud of. Everyone is just so friendly here in the
area. The Chamber of Commerce has done a
remarkable job with our Grand Opening."
D'Lee Garza,
Executive Director of Marketing and spokesperson for the
Chopra Family, stated that since 8 Ball Willie's was the
'oldest and longest' running billiards operation in the
area, the game plan wasn't to completely change the
establishment. But more to restore it to a
up-scale sports bar way, and meet the demand for the
growing market of classic indoor recreational fun.
"Over the
last two years, more and more young professionals have
been steadily moving away from the "Night Club" scene.
This is what we consider to be our strongest target
market, and our clientele proves it. Our strategy
isn't top secret, it's common sense.
The previous
company (Speeds) didn't invest much money into the
future. That pretty much explains the condition of
the operation and the unacceptable revenue it
generated." Ms. Garza continued to state that in
other markets the results has been the same. "We
find an area that has operating establishments that
appear to have run it's course, and the customers have
either grown out of the place or have moved to other
stomping grounds to have their fun. Then we move
in, spend what it takes to bring the place up to the
present, and then boom! It starts making money.
Also, word travels fast. Before you know it, a lot
of old customers will return to see what we did to the
place. We've found our niche', and we're sticking
to it."
Besides,
renovating, they have added three 60" big-screen TVs,
refurbished some tables, and added some 'Happy Hour'
specials. For a limited time, they will let you
enjoy $1.25 beer and $1.25 pool every day until 7:00pm
and all day on Sunday.
Also on
Friday they have a free buffet from 4:00-7:00pm. A
great stop before you make it home after a hard week at
the office.
Saturday
Nights, they host Karaoke provided by Dallas Karaoke,
the hottest karaoke company in Texas. "Dallas
Karaoke has, by far, the most advanced sound system of
any karaoke company that we have ever booked in the
Dallas area." said Sandy Chopra Executive Director
of 8 Ball Willies. "Our shows are not, 'Next
up...' they're main events, four hours of fun
entertainment." said Lee Van Steeter President of
Dallas Karaoke. If you haven't ever experienced
karaoke, I recommend it highly, some of the people who
get up to sing their favorite song, are truly
unbelievable. Who knows, you might give it a try
yourself. Dallas Karaoke is hosted by Tim Lane, L.
D. Grant, Trey Milton, Mike P. Stoney, and Wess
Petersdorf.
During the
week 8 Ball Willie's hosts table-soccer (foosball) and
pool tournaments. They make it easy if you want to
join any of these events, just sign up with a bartender
or waitress.
Wednesdays
is ladies play free pool all night long.
On Thursday,
January 30, the Pre-Grand Opening Party blew off the
roof into the next county. Mainly because it was
catering to the local business owners and the Lewisville
Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber said they were
just coming to cut the ribbon and toast to the club's
success. But somehow, it turned into more than
that. In fact, it turned out to be one of the best
Networking gatherings I've ever seen in years.
There were more business cards swapping hands, than
there were hands to swap with. It looked like a
run on the stock market.
I actually
have a theory about that. First, most business
owners I know spend anywhere from 12 to 14 hours a day
working, if not longer, seven days a week. Most
these people know the business name but not the owner.
They never have time to sit, talk, relax and get to know
one another. It just so happed the atmosphere was
in tune with the situation and there you are. The
'Network Happy Hour' was born.
"The owner
enjoyed having everyone over for the evening..."
said Casey Cash, celebrations director. "So from
now on, Thursdays, starting at 5:00pm to 8:00pm 8 Ball
Willie's will be holding the first Network Happy Hour."
Have a great time and get to know your fellow business
owners. Free pool, buffet for the Chamber Members
and all the business cards you can swap in four and a
half hours. Now all you have to do is wear your
name tag and you're in.
Getting back
to the Grand Opening, it seemed like everyone showed up.
Even Charles Hayley of the Dallas Cowboys was on hand to
shoot a game or two. Being staff writer, I
couldn't resist the interview opportunity. Here I
stood staring at a Cowboy icon, and the only thing going
through my mind was "Gee Mr. Hayley, do you shoot pool
much?" Well, wouldn't you know it, he does!
Actually, he loves it, he just doesn't get to play that
often.
So right
then, just when I thought this guy was the tallest man
in the building, up walks Dean Ueckert. Dean was
getting his picture taken with Mr. Hayley and when they
stood together the whole club leaned to one side.
The rest of the club had to get on one side to counter
balance the photo.
I must say
this was a night to remember. The Chamber did a
great job, and the place is nothing like it used to be.
If you haven't had a chance to stop by, now is your
chance. The club is starting to book happy hour
parties, birthday parties for executives and business
folks. The area needs a fun meeting place to do a
little business and have a little fun all in the same
time.
Randy Bertam
and Scott Schutaz of Artistic Promotion Inc., of Dallas
were on hand displaying their t-shirts that were made
special for the occasion. They are the two famous
entrepreneurs specializing in screen printing of shirts,
jackets, caps, 4 color process and embroidery. If
you can wear it, they can print it.
Don't forget
to bring your stick! |
