Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa DiPrizio.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lisa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in the East Boston and I was always active in the community. I attended public schools, participated in sports, and worked for my father. My father opened a sub shop called Station Deli, located across the street from the (former) Boston Garden. It was a family business, with all hands on deck.
The experience of a family run, small business always stuck with me, even after Station Deli closed. I decided I wanted to open my own business and I knew I wanted to open it in East Boston. At that time, there wasn’t that much to do in East Boston. You had to leave Eastie for a night out. I wanted to change that and I wanted to create a space where people could come together and also satisfy different needs of the community.
The idea of opening an old school pool hall came shortly after. Some members of the neighborhood were not supportive at the beginning. My family and I worked closely with the community while opening Pockets. We addressed their concerns and shared her ideas. The community was so involved that the name actually came from a group of community peer leaders.
With hard work and dedication, I was able to make my dream become a reality. Pockets became a hot spot for a night-out for East Boston locals, as well as residents from neighboring areas. Over the years, Pockets has hosted different leagues ranging from 8-ball tournaments, foosball competitions, and dart teams. Although East Boston has experienced a lot of changes throughout the course of 25 years, we have stayed true to our original vision and Pockets has stayed quite the same- an old school pool hall.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As I mentioned, back them some neighbors were not crazy about the idea of a pool hall opening in the neighborhood. Slowly, we gained their support. As with any new business, you learn a lot, on the go. We have always tried to stay true to our vision of being a local pool hall that is welcoming to all people.
Please tell us about Pockets Billiard Club.
Pockets has remained relatively unchanged over the course of our 25-year span. We enjoy our “old school” name. Most people are surprised at how big Pockets is when they walk down the stairs. You can’t tell how large the space is from outside. We offer 14 pool tables, several arcade games and a bar. Pockets has a very low-key vibe, fitting quite literal description of an “underground pool hall”. Being a family-run business, we are proud of what we have been able to give to the community a place to hang out; connecting with new people and old friends.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
You know it has been quite a journey and I’ve learned a lot and met so many amazing people. I do not have any regrets. We have had so much fun along the way!
Pricing:
- Pool $10/hour
Contact Info:
- Address: 981 Bennington Street
East Boston, MA 02128 - Phone: (617) 569-3350
- Email: pocketsbilliardsclub@gmail.com
- Instagram: @pocketsbilliardclub
- Facebook: @pocketsbilliardclub
- Twitter: pocketspoolcub
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