By Shirley Shuman
Starting yesterday, area residents of all ages who enjoy shooting pool have an alcohol-free venue for their enjoyment. Nick and Bridgett Carson opened Bricks Billiards at 521 Elk Street in Gassaway and will host their first billiards tournament Saturday. Bridgett Carson explained why the young couple decided to open this particular type of business.
“Pool is Nick’s passion. He has played in tournaments all over the United States and has won several tournaments,” she said. “Currently, there are only two designated pool rooms in West Virginia. Of course, there are pool tables in bars throughout the state , but we’re the third business designated as a pool room.”
Bricks Billiards is so-named because “Nick wanted to open a pool room and that was a name he and a friend had chosen some time ago. The friend, Brian James, died in 2020 of cancer.”
She continued to explain that she and her husband “wanted to give Braxton County a place to go to learn the sport and its rules.” Carson noted that eventually they would like to see youths participate in larger tournaments than they can provide in Bricks Billiards. “Nick is aiming for middle school and high school-age individuals, but perhaps he will include younger ones who are responsible,” she said. Also, the co-owner mentioned, her husband is interested in forming leagues, depending upon the level of interest.
The establishment has professional-level tables, both coin-operated and also for-rent. Coin-operated tables cost one dollar per game; for rent-tables cost five dollars an hour per person. Memberships are also available, and members may play any time the business is open and as often as they wish excluding tournaments. Cost for adult membership is $100. For seniors 65 and older, the membership fee is $25. For the junior divisions, middle-school age players will pay a $25 monthly fee; high-school age players will pay a $50 a month fee. The pool room also has a small putting green for those who may need to wait for a table.
A variety of snacks including chips, candy bars, sodas, water, tea—sweetened and unsweetened, and energy drinks will be available. Also available is apparel along with cue sticks and accessories.
For the present, Bricks Billiards will be open from noon until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. until 12 a.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Carsons will host a local tournament each Saturday except the third Saturday of every month when they will be having a larger tournament. The first local tournament is set for Saturday, May 13. Carson explained that interested individuals can find additional information on tournaments on their Facebook page.
