Pub now financially recovered

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by James Tolle

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The new Willy's Pub has enjoyed a successful comeback in its first year of existence, according to Assistant Manager Kenny Yates and Staff Advisor and Assistant Director of the Student Center Lisa Jones.

New equipment on all levels and purchases such as the NTN Trivia game have resulted in gross revenue levels similar to the past two years.

Also, both Jones and Yates stressed that the increasing crowds at lunchtime were a big improvement over years past. According to Pub Manager Christie Hard, the Pub had one of its best nights ever at its grand opening, when more than 850 people attended.

Last semester, the Pub brought in about $40,000 from sales and earned about $15,000 in profits. Hard said these figures were comparable to last year's, but were a considerable improvement from two years ago when the Pub faced possible shutdown due to insufficient finances.

Yates explained that this year the Pub actually had enough money to pay the university distribution charges that were waived for two years in an effort to keep the Pub afloat. In the same spirit, the Pub is currently required to pay only the distribution charges on the space behind the bar.

One of the keys to the Pub's ability to attract people at a higher level is the greater selection of entertainment offered, according to Yates. With new equipment, he explained, there is a greater ability to appeal to a large group of people.

"The TV capabilities are infinitely better. We have cable, NTN and the two additional TVs are a big help," Yates said.

In addition to the TVs, the revamped video games and food items have also helped bring in a lot more non-drinkers, according to Yates.

The NTN game, which is free on Tuesdays and $2 on every other night, is a new addition this year, yet has not been quite as successful as originally expected.

As far as raw attendance is concerned, Yates acknowledged that perhaps a few more people have been coming but that the new Pub has attracted people on Pub Night in spurts.

"We have really good specials every night. Tuesday night is $1 Rolling Rocks and free NTN. It's kind of a different atmosphere," Yates said.

Jones explained that comparisons of revenue to years past are not that easy since former records are not complete. She described the Pub's situation as being better than expected.

"I think it's doing great. It [the new Pub] is doing equal to if not better than expected," Jones said.

Jones also stressed that the efforts of the employees have been critical to helping the Pub recover so fast.

"Kenny Yates, Christy Hard and Joey Olivier are some of the reasons why the Pub has rebounded so quickly. They've put in a lot of time," Jones said.

This item appeared in the News section of the February 16, 1996 issue.

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