Specialties
Award winning pool leagues, pub trivia, Bingo (Fund raiser for the parent-Child Center), and special live entertainment. KJ's Place is a well-established, hometown "Cheers" type Sports bar to meet friends, play Pool, Darts, Foosball, and watch sporting events on three big screen TVs. There is an ATM and Jute Box, with 25000 selections. Trivia happens every Thursday night in the pub at 7pm. The adjoining event hall has a full bar, stage, and sound system. It is used for weekly Bingo - a fund raiser for the Parent Child Center (Fridays starting at 6:30pm), entertainment such as dance bands, and life celebrations such as wedding receptions, birthdays, and celebrations of life.
History
Established in 1990.
KJ's Place is built on the foundation of a stagecoach "stand". The location on the banks of the Black River and the major "turnpike" from Middlebury, Vermont to Boston was ideal for the stand and serves KJ's well today as VT Route 106 (the old "turnpike") remains a major thoroughfare.
The owners, Kristine Hurd and Jim Gould identified the need for a public bar to play pool, darts, etc. They purchased a defunct pub on the site in the fall of 1989.
Based on Jim's construction expertise, the totally remodeled KJ's Place opened April 7, 1990 for a soft opening. Through word of mouth, the soft opening was a packed house remaining a local hot spot ever since. Pool tournaments and leagues continue to be a mainstay of the Place.
In 2002, Kris and Jim responded to pressure from patrons for an event venue to host parties, reunions, family gatherings, and live entertainment. Thus Jim built the Event Hall/Gathering Room adjacent to the Sports Tavern.
Meet the Business Owner: Kris and Jim H.
Kristine Hurd and Jim Gould have owned KJ's Place since its inception. Thus, the name Kristine Jim. And it is in fact, the place you will find them a lot. Kristine serves the management functions with payroll, taxes, generally keeping the books, and scheduling bartenders. Also, she tends bar several afternoons (from 3pm opening to 7pm) and barbacks every other Friday and Saturday nights.
Jim is there every morning, cleaning and maintaining. Occasionally, he bartends (Tuesday evenings) and barbacks every other Friday and Saturday nights. During open hours, you may find him playing pool. He is an avid player, supports pool leagues throughout New England, and loves to teach beginners the game.