Longtime pool bar, restaurant closes

Billiards of Springfield Inc. has closed for good after operating at the St. Louis Street and Kimbrough Avenue intersection for 35 years.

The pool bar and restaurant, 541 St. Louis St., announced the closure in a May 29 Facebook post. A separate post indicates operations were suspended on May 3 after the restaurant had offered curbside and delivery services amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"We are grateful to have been a part of your weekend plans, entertainment options and life events," the latest post reads. "I don’t feel this Facebook post will be an adequate expression of my personal appreciation for the experiences I’ve had, nor could I express the gratitude the ownership and I have for amazing staff members that have graced us with their skills over the years."

Billiards founder Phil Spudich, 71, of Columbia, died in 2015, according to an obituary posted by the Columbia Daily Tribune. A Missouri secretary of state filing from this year lists Margaret Spudich as president.

It’s unclear if the Billiards building will be listed for sale. Greene County assessor records list Margaret Spudich as the owner.

While Billiards has shuttered, a comedy club that operates inside the building is now seeking a new home.

Chris Richele, owner of Blue Room Comedy Club LLC, said the business is "currently in the research phase" of finding a new location.

"We're really going to miss the space that we created with Billiards. It was like a gem," he said. "We're heartbroken to have to find somewhere else to create that experience."

Richele said Blue Room Comedy Club was waiting for Billiards to restart operations before reopening amid the pandemic.