A new brewery and restaurant is set to open this summer in the vacant building that was previously home to Jamestown Brewing Company on 115-121 West Third Street. Last month, Wicked Jimmy’s LLC was approved for a $350,000 loan by the Jamestown Local Development Corporation in order to pay for the property. That’s on top of a $959,000 loan also recently granted by the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency Board (although it’s contingent on Wicked Jimmy’s securing the rest of the funding needed). In total, the building will cost $1.75 million, with the total cost of opening the new brewery and restaurant coming in at an eye-watering $2.35 million. It’s also expected to create at least forty new jobs as a result.
“Jamestown’s premier entertainment destination”
“Our goal is to make 119 West Third Street Jamestown’s premier entertainment destination”, said Robert Roth, the majority owner of the Wicked Warren’s restaurant in Pennsylvania and now CEO of the new Jamestown business. As the building’s not far from other popular Jamestown attractions like the Northwest Arena and the Comedy Center, it couldn’t be better positioned to become the hip new place to hang out. Excitingly, the establishment is set to serve food, brew craft beer, feature live music, and even have a “speakeasy room”. The place will also be used to host ballroom bashes and business meetings, with plans to open a rooftop bar in place for in the near future. Although Roth intends to apply for a license to make beer on site (a process that can take anywhere between two to three months), he wants to play it smart and strengthen his financial position first before doing so. “We’ve done considerable planning and are looking forward to getting this business up and running as soon as possible”, Roth added — hopefully by either June or July at the lastest. And although he hasn’t yet decided on a name, he knows for sure it won’t be called Wicked Jimmy’s.
Smart business moves
The investment made by Wicked Jimmy’s LLC in time, money, and effort is certainly impressive as opening a business of this size is no easy feat. Even the seemingly simple act of signing loan agreements and lease agreements requires ample due diligence. Failing to read contracts in detail before signing the dotted line is one of the most common mistakes business owners can make. Fortunately, being clear on all the contractual details can prevent legal and financial troubles from rearing their ugly heads later down the line.
The Wicked Warren’s team move from Pennsylvania to Jamestown
The new business will be run by Roth, who has almost thirty years of entrepreneurial experience under his belt. Other people from Wicked Warren’s in Pennsylvania will also be joining him in Jamestown. Namely, Drew Erlandson, who has over fifteen years of brewing experience, will be acting as Vice President and Head Brewer. “We’ve done great in Warren,” said Erlandson. “We made it through COVID and staff coming and going when we first opened. … I see it going really well. We have such an eclectic menu of both food and beer that I think it’s really going to be great for the community. I’m super excited.”
A front of house manager from Wicked Warren’s with over a decade of experience will also be part of the Jamestown team. “It’s great to see the further expansion of our beverage and service industry in Chautauqua County, especially by a team with a proven track record. Once open, the Wicked Warren’s Jamestown location will help to encourage both area residents and out of town visitors to come to the downtown,” said Chautauqua County Executive Paul “PJ” Wendel.
Ultimately, this new Wicked Jimmy’s venture is set to be just what downtown Jamestown needs. “We’re excited to see new life come into this property after being vacant for nearly four years,” said Jamestown Mayor Kimberly Ecklund. “Having a craft brewery, restaurant, and banquet facility located in the core of downtown Jamestown will help to boost both visitor and local foot traffic, while also providing additional job opportunities for our local residents.”
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