Sounds like another bar – excuse me, “pub,” will be coming to New Town in the future! It’ll be interesting to see if this business venture actually pulls through, with the economic downturn and all. But I can’t complain about a business wanting to open in an already-standing building in Williamsburg, rather than building something new when there are so many unoccupied stores around these days.
American keen to make most of Brit pub closures
29 June, 2009
By Matt Eley
Business venture could see US pub kitted out with furniture from UK
An American businessman is looking to take advantage of pub closures in the UK by salvaging goods to create his own traditional pub.
While up to 50 pubs are closing every week in the UK Greg Pedersen is keen to open a British style pub in Williamsburg, Virginia – a town founded in 1607 with what he describes as “bags of English heritage”.
And to make it as authentic as possible he wants licensees on this side of the pond to help him furnish the pub.
He said: “The bar and most of all the fixtures will be from an original English pub. I envision an old English phone booth out front or maybe even functioning as the entrance to the pub.
“I want the menu to include predominantly British fare, yards and half yards of ale, darts and a piano player for nightly sing-a-longs.”
The pub is set to open up in the next 12 months in the New Town development of Williamsburg but as yet the pub does not have a name – something else Pedersen is looking for help with.
“I’d also like interesting signage and a suggested name would be great, especially if it has old unique signage to accompany it,” he said.
Pedersen’s runs his own marketing company and part owned golf business Nevada Bob’s but has never previously worked in pubs.
Despite this he is confident his venture will not go the way of the Brit pubs he is hoping helps to furnish the venue.
“I have read a lot in the press about pubs closing left right and centre in your part of the world. That is unfortunate but it may give me and my partner an opportunity to pick up some interesting stuff from the prior owners to use over here.
“Although the business climate is really tough here like it is everywhere, I think if you create something special or offer people an experience they won’t find anywhere else then you have a better chance of success.”
If you can help Greg with furniture or a pub name email gregped@yahoo.com
Good luck, Mr. Pedersen!
