Two new nightlife options about to join downtown Hollister
Two new nightlife options in downtown could, if successful,
reshape the downtown area and have lasting benefits for the
surrounding bars and restaurants as well as other downtown
businesses.
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Two new nightlife options about to join downtown Hollister
Two new nightlife options in downtown could, if successful, reshape the downtown area and have lasting benefits for the surrounding bars and restaurants as well as other downtown businesses.
Cheap Seats is a sports-themed bar/grill and the Broken Wing is a motorcycle-themed bar/lounge.
Cheap Seats is located at 427 San Benito St. The bar is owned by John and Rick Hernandez; who had the idea to open a sports bar only a few months ago.
The Hernandez’ know the owner of the building and had worked with her to do a remodel when they had the idea for the sports-themed establishment.
Cheap Seats features eight plasma-screen TVs, the smallest of which is 42 inches. They plan to feature all the major pay-per-view sporting events as well as all other major sports franchises.
Across San Benito Street and down one-half block sits the Broken Wing. Located in the historic Pendergrass Building, one of Hollister’s few “high-rises” constructed in 1927 at 500 San Benito St., on the corner of Fifth.
The 3,600-square-foot watering hole will have an antique-motorcycle theme using artwork and artifacts from 1900 through the 1930s. The bar also features a Frank Lloyd Wright-styled decor. The majority of photos of old bikes and bikers were donated by locals. The lounge will feature live music, pool tables and darts, and plenty of space for socializing. The occupancy is set at 150. In addition to the selection of brews and spirits the bar will offer there will also be an extensive selection of wines produced by local vintners.
The Otis’ were trying to get away from one particular type of establishment. They wanted to create a place where anyone would feel at home.
“So that you might have a group of lawyers at one table and bikers at the next tables,” Larry Otis said. “We didn’t want to pigeonhole. Nobody should feel uncomfortable here.”
For the better part of a year, the Otis’ worked to transform the building, which once housed a bank into a swinging nighttime destination.
“We started out with a vision and the place has exceeded our expectations,” Otis said.
Though construction on the bar was initially estimated at 90 days when they started, almost nine months later, the owners are excited that their dream is fulfilled and ready to open.
“There’s been a lot of interest from the public and we’re looking forward to seeing these people come back,” Julia Otis said.
The Otis’ were optimistic about what a revived nightlife in San Benito County will mean for residents who will no longer have to leave the area in order to find a thriving night scene.
“We’re anxious for the possibilities that will exist for entertainment,” Otis said.
One noticeable addition with two new drinking options will be the benefit of added sales tax revenue, according to Jeff Pyle, economic development manager for the city of Hollister.
“I think that with the Broken Wing and Cheap Seats it could offer more options for activity in the evening hours,” Pyle said. “They will employ more people and it will mean a few more local establishments, which may bring more evening activity downtown. The old adage goes, the best place to add a restaurant is next to a restaurant.”
Brenda Weatherly, executive director for the Hollister Downtown Association, agreed.
“This gives residents a couple of more opportunities to spend time downtown,” Weatherly said. “I think these businesses should compliment the ones that are already here nicely. The downtown is evolving on its own with a sense of nightlife. We need to encourage that evolution and help with the revival.”
Still, the new development is not likely to have an impact on existing businesses that aren’t open late at night. Bill Mifsud, owner of Bill’s Bullpen, said he won’t see a big increase in business because suddenly there are more nightlife options, largely because the downtown area still lacks a destination point – something specific that draws people to the downtown area. He couldn’t say what that destination point should be.
“I’m open on Sundays and I know if people come into my store on a Sunday, it’s because this was where they were coming, not because they were in the area.
Though Misfud might not see an increase a restaurant such as the Vault could see a definite boom.
Vault Owner Ignacio Velazquez is hopeful.
“I think that more bars and restaurants can definitely bring more people downtown,” Velazquez said. “Especially when they’re done at the level that Larry and Julia [Otis] have done. I think we can always use more of that.”
Charisse Tyson, co-owner of Johnny’s bar, is hopeful.
“It’s hard to say,” Tyson said. “I think it’s anybody’s guess what will happen, but it will be wonderful if it [works].
Patrick O’Donnell can be reached at
po*******@pi**********.com
.
