New Hustle & Joe’s doesn’t disappoint After six years as another empty building, 1700 Grant St., the place formerly known as Satches, then Chez Criton, is born again as a sports bar. But it is not just a sports bar, it’s one established by local businessman Jamal “Hustle Man” Rodgers and Joe Jackson, patriarch of the Jackson family including the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Hustle and Joe’s Sports Bar made its grand opening last weekend with a three-night event that kicked off Dec. 2 with an extraordinary jazz concert by Reggie Foster and Note 4 Note, with local poet Elena Love hosting, singing and reciting. Other events included a concert from the legendary R&B group the Chi-Lites featuring Marshall Thompson, as well as another singer, Joe Wayne. And the weekend closed with veteran comedians George Wilborn from the syndicated radio show “The Michael Baidson Show,” which airs on Soul 106.3 FM, Tony Sculfield from WGCI-FM and Damon Williams, who hosts a New Year’s Eve comedy show at the Star Plaza and appears weekly on “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” on Soul 106.3. I was able to attend Friday night’s event and was not disappointed with what I witnessed. From the moment I walked through the first set of double doors and was searched by security to when I entered the second set of doors, I was amazed at the transformation. Those who remember the interior setup from the previous establishments will also be impressed with the changes. What once had closed-in sections and a small seating area is now more open with intimate size seating and table arrangements. A stage and dance floor promises more entertainment along with an option to watch sports at any angle you wish thanks to multiple flat-screen televisions. This is an establishment that has the potential for growth in the community and can be an addition to other venues like the Link Bar, Roxxy’s, Romeo’s and more. Yes, there is a strict dress code and the age demographic is 25 years and older, but if you want somewhere to relax and enjoy food and drinks — and if you don’t drink alcoholic beverages Hustle & Joe’s has a juice bar and a selection of pop — and watch the game or check out an event, this can be your newest hangout. Post-Tribune GARY — Joe Jackson may become more than a black-clad background figure occasionally popping in and out of his hometown. The father of the late Michael Jackson has joined a local friend Kathleen Cole and her son Jamal “Hustle” Rodgers to try to revive a west side club into a hot spot for clubgoers and sports fans. Hustle and Joe’s, 1700 Grant St., is a spacious club with a VIP room and nooks, a full kitchen, flat screen TVs dotting the walls, a 20-foot long bar and space for parties and dancing. The home of the former Satches night club and Chez Criton and is adorned with wood paneling, mirrored balls and sound system speakers. “We’re doing a lot of grown-up activity,” said Rodgers, who also owns Everlasting Limousine service, a tow truck business and rental properties. “I think it’s a great time to open this club because even if people come out for a laugh or two, it’s very affordable.” As workers put the finishing touches on the club, Chicago-based Note 4 Note, fronted by Gary saxophonist Reggie Foster, rehearsed on stage ahead of kicking off a three-day grand opening starting Friday night, along with poet Elena Love. The Chi-Lites, favorites from the 1960s and 1970s, will join singer Joe Wayne on Saturday night, while Sunday will feature comedians George Wilborn, Tony Sculfield and Damon Williams. The club will have a cover charge, ample security and a strict dress code to draw a more mature crown, Rodgers said. Plans for the bar include a monthly “power week” of top-name entertainers, stepping shows and comedy acts, a regular Sunday art show for local artists and Soul Food Sundays, he said. Fliers and signs describe the club as Joe Jackson’s H&J’s Sports Bar, but Jackson was nowhere to be found. Rodgers said getting Jackson involved was important to draw attention to the business, but, he insisted, it did not get him any special attention from city officials and inspectors. Jimmy Hendricks also helped to get the club idea moving. Hendricks, a barber and businessman, said a sports bar in Gary is long overdue. “It’s something our people can do without having to go out of the city to places like Merrillville and Schererville to watch a game and have some drinks,” Hendricks said. By Michael Gonzalez Post-Tribune |
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