Monroe Street closed Sunday for Jim's Place Grand Opening

COLDWATER — Jim's Place will close off Monroe Street Sunday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. for a grand opening party and pool exhibitions with Fedor Gorst, the world's 9-ball pool champion.

The Coldwater City Council approved the street closure for the party on July 8.

Jim Brauker returned to his hometown, Coldwater, and two years ago began renovating the former Wilber's Furniture store at West Chicago and Monroe Street into a pool hall, bar, and occasion center.

With sister Robin Brauker Walling, Jim's Place opened on May 7, after restructuring beams in the 150-year-old historic building with timbers cut from logs on Jim's deer hunting property.

Jim Brauker said, "We exposed the original brick walls, hardwood floors and original ceilings, then built the most unique bar in the state," made of a split mirrored image tree limb.

Brauker said, "Fedor will be at our hall of fame 9-foot Diamond pool table taking on all comers playing 9-ball in a race to two."

The entry fee to play Fedor is $50. If you beat him, you win $100 plus an autographed "I beat Fedor Gorst" photo. A copy will hang on the wall.

Brauker said the pool table is special because hall of famers Efren Reyes and Rodney Morris signed it after they were the first two players to play on it.

Entry into the bar is free, but entry to the Jim Tong Memorial Poolroom will cost $25 to watch the 9-ball play.

• Doors open at 11 a.m. The event starts at noon.
• To make room for the event, Jim's Place will move pool tables onto Monroe Street so anyone can play for free.
• Cornhole and live music will take place on the street.
• Lunch and dinner will be available for purchase-catered by Tasteful Kreations of Bronson.
• Challenge matches against Fedor and autograph signing on the Diamond Table from Noon to 4 p.m.
• Dinner with Fedor for up to eight people, at $300 per reservation, will be served from 4 to 6 p.m.
• Challenge matches will continue from 6 until 10 p.m.

Brauker said challengers will get their pictures taken with Fedor, and signed copies will be available for purchase at $25 for an 8-by-10 inch print and $30 for a 13-by-19 inch print.

Brauker said, "This bar and pool hall has been a personal dream of mine for a long time."

Walling said, "We took our time to make sure everything was right."

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Expansion is planned for the basement and upper floors.

For reservations, call (517) 781-6675 or email jimsplacebilliards@gmail.com or on Facebook messenger.

— Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com