After three months of renovations, Shawbucks is ready to show patrons a new experience.
According to Kurt Johnson, owner, the much-needed renovations will bring a new feel to the atmosphere of Shawbucks.
"Basically the only thing we left was the bathrooms, band stage and dance floor; everything else is new," said Johnson. "We added two bars with the main bar elevated on a one-foot platform. We went with ash wood for the bars that came from Nelson Brothers, and Emco did the finishing work. There are new lighting fixtures with LED panels lining the bars.
Article Photos
The main bar at Shawbucks in Jamestown is now elevated on a one-foot platform and features new big screen televisions with surround sound.
P-J photos by Dusten Rader
"We also added five big-screen televisions with surround sound to bring in sports viewers," Johnson continued. "We upgraded to a new and more efficient heat and air-conditioning system by Lamb Heating and Cooling Inc. Fal-Ken Electric did all the electrical work and Tim Hammersley Plumbing did the plumbing. The architectural work was done by Lorinne Johnson of LOR Architecture. And, most of the materials were bought locally from Chautauqua Brick and Everydays."
Johnson made the investment because the last time Shawbucks was renovated was when he opened in March of 1995, he said. Back then it was a burned-out main-event building that required close to 100 percent remodeling. As far as cost goes, Johnson said that the renovations equal close to what he invested in both the original and the new location.
"It was time for a change, and I'm really happy with the way everything came out," said Johnson. "I've had a lot of support from everyone around me, and I feel very fortunate to be able to be in a position to bring this to Jamestown. I felt there was an opportunity for an upscale nightclub and restaurant on the west end. With the location we're in there was a major calling for it, so I think it will be a successful investment because I think it will bring more business to the area. We're going to try to cater more to the patrons of the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena by offering a more family-oriented atmosphere. Eventually we plan on doing lunches and dinners in our new dining room that seats about 45. But, we wanted it to be a place for both families and local professionals to enjoy."
Those who wish to order food to-go will be able to enjoy a takeout pick-up room attached to the new kitchen, which was built inside the garage attachment of the building.
"I needed to go to a larger scale menu, and the kitchen we had was tiny," said Johnson. "To have a menu that was diversified enough to draw families we had to change the location of the kitchen. It's now larger than it needs to be, but someday I'd like to start catering business on the second floor. It's sized big enough at this point to feed the whole building. Having the takeout area is convenient because you could enter from the parking lot to pick up food without entering the bar or restaurant."
The larger scale menu is still in the works, said Johnson. But for now, patrons can enjoy specials on eight different types of wings and other-bar style food such as French dips with beef by Fresh Cut Meats on Thursdays through Saturdays. Happy hour is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Live entertainment is already being scheduled with Two For Flinching performing on Saturday at 10 p.m. Themed nights are also soon to follow. Plus, a grand-reopening is tentatively scheduled for February.
"Right now we're having a soft-opening to showcase what we've completed," said Johnson. "Hopefully within the next couple of weeks we will begin running Tuesday through Saturday specials. And, we're looking at six to eight weeks before we're 100 percent up and running. But, people can come enjoy our wings, food and atmosphere right now."
Shawbucks is currently open at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and 7 p.m. on Saturdays. Shawbucks is located at 212 W. Second St. in Jamestown. For more information call 487-2201, visit shawbucks.com or search for "Shawbucks" on Facebook.