Gringotim wrote:
Damn, I miss the New York Bar! I still believe that after Richard left, the place could have turned a profit. All it needed was a little remodeling, adding new and more TVs, etc. Damn those TVs were old. It always had great/fun bartenders (Neyling, Joszy, Hazel, Gisella, Katia, Yorleny, Natalia, et al). Anyone remember the night Yorleny and Natalia did the belly-dancing
It was also fun when they had Gringo Starrs (Bilko and Mike) perform.
I think it was later called the Ritmo Sun. Every time I walked by, the place was empty.
Yes, they had attractive bartenders - but don't know if I can agree with you that a few wide screen TV's would have changed the places fate - clearly, it was mismanaged by an old drunk for years - but it had a great location.
I think the NY bar was also the victim of less old drunks from the USA coming to Costa Rica to retire - some of the old gringo places in San Jose, now sadly closed - NY Bar, Nashville, one or two others - depended on "regular" resident drunks for a portion of their business - and they loved these pathetic old fools.
For example, I think it was in the NY Bar - but could have been in Harry Bar Poas - really does not matter - but there was a picture and a short write up on an old drunk - Bill, I think his name was - old guy, there every day, wore a blue captains hat - those were the old drunks from the USA that you see less and less of in San Jose. Some of you many even remember the pathetic old drunk, or indeed may have drank with him. Call me a snob, but do you really aspire to get your picture on a bar room wall, and be remembered as a strange, mumbly, old drunk?
As for Bilko and Mike - Mike could wear any number of wigs, and scream all he wants and call it music - but it was not gonna pack em in - much as I like Bilko personally.
What was needed was a strategiy to siphon off some of the business from the DelRey located steps away - sadly, the other "ideas" did not work - and you have to ask yourself - how did some one get smart enough to make enough money to buy and remodel a place like the NY Bar - and then be so stupid to think a theme of <fully dressed> bartenders dancing on the bar at regular intervals, and a sound level so HIGH conversation was impossible - was going to succeed - Bill the drunk would be turning in his grave!