Hollister
– When Larry and Julia Otis bought their Harley-Davidson, they
received a patch with a pair of wings. When they wrecked their bike
at the Laughlin Run in 2004 and lived to tell about it,
Harley-Davidson sent them a patch with a pair of broken wings.
Hollister – When Larry and Julia Otis bought their Harley-Davidson, they received a patch with a pair of wings. When they wrecked their bike at the Laughlin Run in 2004 and lived to tell about it, Harley-Davidson sent them a patch with a pair of broken wings.
Inspired from living through their accident, the longtime biking enthusiasts decided to open a bar and lounge called The Broken Wing Club in the long-vacant Union Bank building on San Benito Street in Hollister. Although there are already two biker bars in Hollister, the Otises have done their research.
“I think there’s room for one more,” Larry Otis said.
Larry Otis estimates there are approximately 23,000 people of drinking age in Hollister, plenty to fill the 125-capacity space he is building. But Larry Otis, 49, does not believe The Broken Wing will be in direct competition with Whiskey Creek or Johnny’s and will not have an effect on the two bars’ business. The Broken Wing will be larger and – more importantly – newer, Larry Otis said.
“Part of the ambiance of (Whiskey Creek and Johnny’s) is their age,” Otis said.
The Broken Wing will feature dart boards and at least one pool table, something some Hollister bars have no room for. The Broken Wing will not have a jukebox, but will play music catering to the middle-aged demographic it wishes to attract such as blues, Motown, jazz and classic rock. Live music will be a large part of its weekend attraction.
The Otises wish to provide an alternative to Hollister’s existing nightlife. And David Huboi, a city planning commissioner, welcomes the new establishment.
The small, bedroom-community demographic does not participate as much in Hollister’s nightlife because they do not have many options, Huboi said. Huboi hopes The Broken Wing will cater to the nightlife needs of a such a demographic through live music.
“They might respond to the Broken Wing because it’s just a little bit different of an environment than what we have here,” Huboi said.
If The Broken Wing can bring in a steady clientele, the entire downtown will benefit, said Charisse Tyson, owner of Johnny’s. Tyson said her bar attracts a more working-man or blue-collar crowd.
“It’s a whole different genre,” Tyson said.
The Otises’ research into beer sales in Hollister shows that people tend to enjoy drinking more at home. They believe this backs Huboi’s view that there are not enough choices for nightlife. Not only do area residents stay at home, but they also leave the city completely when they do wish to seek out nightlife, Julia Otis said.
“Our market research has shown time and time again that people go to San Jose and Monterey,” Julia Otis said.
Although the Broken Wing will be the Otises’ first nightclub venture, they have experience and knowhow. Larry Otis has master’s degree in business administration from San Jose State. In opening up a bar and lounge, he has found the perfect partner in his wife.
“I’ve worked in restaurants and bars for 15 years,” Julia Otis said.
A firm opening date is not yet in place, but Julia Otis hopes the Broken Wing is open for the holiday season. The plumbing is complete and once the electrical is complete and the space has its first inspections, it won’t be long, she said.
When open, The Broken Wing will serve beer and wine, but without a full-bar license the bar won’t be able to serve liquor. As The Broken Wing progresses, the Otises hope to obtain a full-bar license. But first the Otises are focused on just getting open.
“No one wants it more than the two of us,” Larry Otis said.
Michael Van Cassell covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 335, or [email protected].
