Right on Cue

What if there was a recreational establishment right in our own backyard that mixed sport, strategy, spirits (not the ghostly kind) and sophistication. There is! It’s the Cue Club located on Route 3 in the Airport Plaza in Plattsburgh. It’s one of the area’s hidden gems and not your average pool hall.

The brain-child of husband and wife team, Bill and Connie Hathaway of Morrisonville, the Club has put a refreshing twist on an age-old game. Billiards enthusiasts, both novice and expert alike, are invited to play pool in a classy blues and jazz-bar atmosphere. I had the pleasure of sitting down with co-owner Bill Hathaway to discuss the couple’s business and plans for the future.

Passion for Pool

Bill Hathaway, a New Jersey native, came to Plattsburgh with the Air Force in 1968. He married Connie, who grew up in the area, a year later. After serving in Vietnam he returned to the U.S. and was stationed at bases in Colorado and Texas, where he was a criminal investigator. In 1976 the Hathaways returned to the North Country to stay.

Eight years later, they founded Northern Adjustment Bureau, an independent public adjusting company serving the greater Plattsburgh region. Their son, Michael, joined the firm in the late 1990s and gradually took over the daily operations of the business, but Hathaway wasn’t ready to retire.

What to do?? It didn’t take Bill long to decide to turn his passion for pool, which he had been playing since the age of 12, into a business venture. He described the Cue Club as a “reasonably priced alternative to the bar or club scene.” When the former Irises’ Burgundy Room became available, he knew he’d had found the perfect location, and after a lengthy negotiation with the property owners, the Cue Club, LLC opened its doors in October of last year.

Rack ‘em Up

Hathaway described the club setup. “We have more than 6,000 square feet of space with nine professional nine-foot pool tables. I designed the tables and they were manufactured by the Olhausen Billiard Company to my specifications. The tables were used in the World Straight Championship in New Jersey, which was featured on ESPN, before they were shipped to us.”

According to Hathaway the Cue Club is the only true billiard parlor north of Glens Falls, south of Montreal and west of Burlington, Vermont. “My wife and I have really tried to create a unique experience for our customers,” he explained. “All of our furnishings are custom-made. There is a VIP room that has become popular with local businesses for employee gatherings and parties. We carry a nice selection of beers, wines and champagne and we have some of the best equipment available.”

Additionally, the Cue Club offers lessons for those new to the game of pool as well as those who have experience but want to hone their skills. On certain days of the week the Club is jam-packed with league and tournament play. Leagues are handicapped, which allows newer players to compete with more seasoned players in a truly competitive but enjoyable environment.

Currently, the Wednesday night 8-ball league roster is full. In mid-May the Cue Club began a straight pool league. Each league is limited to 16 players to allow for un-interrupted play. Alternate Sunday tournaments draw players from northern New York, Vermont, Quebec and Ontario. “And the best thing is, even if you don’t shoot pool, you can always come and watch some of the best players in the area, while enjoying a drink,” noted Hathaway.

Thursdays at the Club are Ladies Nights. “We have a loyal group of women players that meet at the Club to enjoy the atmosphere, have a glass of wine and occasionally play pool,” he quipped. “The added bonus is that ladies play pool for free on Thursdays from 5 p.m. until close.”

If players are in the market for a new cue or case, the Cue Club carries a retail line ranging from inexpensive to high-end.

Future Plans

According to Hathaway, business has been steadily increasing, which he attributes to people looking for entertainment alternatives that “don’t break the bank”. The Hathaways have never advertised and rely on word of mouth to bring people in.

Expansion plans are in the works at the Cue Club. “We want to open a café to provide patrons with lite-fare options and add to our ambience,” Hathaway explained. The former Burgundy Room came equipped with a large commercial kitchen, but it has remained an unused asset. “In order to maximize this potential, we are currently looking for an experienced self-starter, to open and manage the food aspect of the business. So, if any one reading this article is interested, feel free to contact me!” Hathaway emphasized.

If you are in the mood to shoot a round of pool, mix with friends and enjoy a great evening, make sure to check out the Cue Club — it won’t disappoint!