Profits: In The Pocket

NEWEST LOCATION OPENS Side Pockets, a highly popular upscale restaurant, bar and billiards chain, opened its newest location in Lee's Summit at 224 Northwest Oldham Parkway in the Summit Shopping Center. This is the fourth Side Pockets in the greater metropolitan area.

The 16,000 square foot Side Pockets is the second billiard center owned by the father-son team of Jay and James Doran. The family duo also owns the Side Pockets in Kansas City North at 600 Northwest Englewood Road.

"This restaurant and billiard concept is a proven formula for success," said co-owner James Doran. "Billiards saw 4.91 million new players in 2000 and continues to attract men and women at various skill levels." The American Poolplayers Association reports pool is the top ranked participatory sport in the U.S. - surpassing golf, tennis and bowling. In 1996, the International Olympic Committee recognized billiards as an Olympic sport.

This past August, billiards took its place on the international sports podium with its debut at the World Games in Akita, Japan. Cue sports are also slated for the 2005 World Games in Germany.

"Side Pockets capitalizes on a unique concept," said Rich Hawkins, vice president of Side Pockets Franchise Sytems, Inc.

"Our strategy is to create an upscale atmosphere that caters to both novice and experienced pool and dart players, with leagues for both. And, we also feature daily lunch and dinner specials plus a diverse menu that will satisfy most everyone's appetite." The Lee's Summit Side Pockets features nine professional-size pocket billiard tables, 31 coin-operated bar-sized tables, first-class American and Mexican cuisine, a pro shop with a complete line of custom cues and cases, five electronic dart games, two Golden Tee golf games, a full-service bar and leagues according to handicaps - accommodating all skill levels of players.

Because Side Pockets is mainly an adult facility, children under 21 are not permitted after 6:00 p.m. and they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Side Pockets Franchise Systems, Inc., offers entrepreneurs a proven business system for operating an upscale billiards parlor and restaurant. It was founded in Lenexa, Kan., in May 1994 by two experienced recreational billiards enthusiasts: Hawkins and Keith Robinson, president.

Side Pockets' growth has paralleled the growing interest in cue sports. Billiards gained 4.91 million new players in 2000 and Side Pockets recognizes that today's players want more than smoke-filled pool halls or bowling alleys where most of the equipment is in poor condition.

According to Rich Hawkins,"We offer a proven formula for success that reshapes the old stereotypes of pool halls." Typically a Side Pockets features between 33 and 45 tables in 14,000 to 17,000 square feet, first class American cuisine, a pro shop with a complete line of custom cues and cases, electronic dart games, a full-service bar and leagues according to handicaps - accommodating all skill levels of players.

"The in-house leagues provide a steady stream of revenue, because each location recruits enough players to have over 50 teams.

That equates to a customer base of over 500 people who eat, drink and play pool or darts on a weekly basis, no matter what the weather conditions," Hawkins said.

"The rising popularity in billiards is also reflected in the variety of customers we see from different economic backgrounds, ages and genders - 38-percent of our customers are women." The American Poolplayers Association reports pool is the top ranked participatory sport in the U.S. - surpassing golf, tennis and bowling.

In 1996, the International Olympic Committee recognized billiards as an Olympic sport. This past August, billiards took its place on the international sports podium with its debut at the World Games in Akita, Japan. Cue sports are also slated for the 2005 World Games in Germany.

The side pockets' franchise fee is currently $25,000 plus a flat fee of $700 per week. A typical 16,000 square foot facility costs between $650,000 and $850,000 to open depending on the location.

Average locations gross between $1,000,000 to $1,300,000 in the first year with sales reflecting 20-percent billiards and accessories, 30-percent food and 50-percent beverages.

For more information, visit www.sidepockets.com or call 800-490-9809.

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