by Bea Peterson
Halftime proprietor Angelo Benardo’s goal is to operate a community friendly place; a place where everyone wants to meet.
The decor has changed since the bar on Church St. was Third Base. Besides removing a center divider and repainting, Benardo has decorated the walls with life size sports figures and other sports paraphernalia. Nine televisions have been installed. More tables and a stage area have been added, and there is a new juke box which is described as a giant iPod. If patrons want to hear what’s going on during a game on a specific TV, they can use one of the 12 boxes in a Sound Dog System. Set the box on a table or on the bar, punch in the number of the TV and hear the sound for that particular set.
Halftime also has 10 playmakers where folks can play Trivia or Texas Hold’em. They can play locally or nationwide.
A big hit at Halftime has been the Wednesday Wii bowling tournaments. Wednesday is Wii and Wings Night. From 6 to 8 pm barbecue wings are 25 cents each. The Wii bowling starts at 6:30.
Senior Dinners
Halftime has held three Senior Dinners so far. They offer free dinners to senior citizens the last Tuesday of each month from 4 to 6 pm. Take-outs are available for shut-ins. They serve from 25 to 30 senior dinners, but, said Manager Tracy Fitzpatrick, “We’re prepared to do twice that.”
In December Benardo hosted a Christmas party for kids. About 30 youngsters and their families enjoyed lunch and a visit from Santa. Thanks to community support, there were gifts for all the children. During events for young people, the bar area is blocked from view.
Entertainment
Last month Halftime held a two hour comedy show. The 100 seats were sold out before the event date. On Saturday, February 28, master hypnotist John Cerbone, known as The Trance Master will perform. Tickets are $15 in advance. There will be a dinner special that evening. The specials range in price from $6 to $10.
DJs have performed on Friday and Saturday nights. They have held a Karaoke night and an Open Mike night where singers and musicians had an opportunity to work with a band. On Saturday nights live bands offer a selection of country, classic rock or pop rock music. There’s a nominal cover charge when bands perform. To ensure the safety of patrons and the public Benardo will offer a bus service to take folks who need a safe ride home. That service will begin the end of February.
The Halftime Grand Opening Event will be Saturday, February 21. It will be a beach party with tropical drink specials and folks sporting tropical shirts. The band Loose Change will perform in the evening.
Halftime’s menu includes burgers, chicken tenders, fries, subs, club sandwiches, munchies and a dinner special of hot roast beef, chicken parmesan or something similar. Check out the menu, place an order and have it delivered!
Halftime opens Monday through Saturday at 10 am and Sunday at noon.