Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Pizzimento.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Back in 1980 my father, Al Pizzimento, bought the building with a partner when it was called The South Street Tavern. The two of them immediately changed the name to The Horseshoe Pub because the partner was in the harness horse racing business. In 1984 my father gained sole possession of the business.
Over the years, there have been three major renovations to bring it to where it is today. I became involved in the business in 1986 when I was 18, starting as a bartender a few nights a week. At the time, we only had three beers on tap; today we feature 80.
We pride ourselves on serving the finest craft beers, along with a gastro-style menu, meaning that we serve basic pub food but with a twist. It has become a favorite gathering place for the local community, as well as out-of-towners who want to experience the newest brews (although we serve a full list of cocktails and wines as well).
Our tagline is, “Enter as Strangers, Leave as Friends.” We believe we have lived up to that mission.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Any great business, including restaurants, faces obstacles; we were no exception. Certainly, the three major renovations were a challenge, both from a financial and operational standpoint. Also, being one of the first bars in the state to offer such a wide selection of beers – veering from the normal path, where most bars were offering no more than a handful – presented concerns. The main issue was whether or not the community would embrace a bar based on this concept; that is, offering such a large selection of beers. But obviously, the concept was a success, as we’ve just passed our 38th year in business. What’s more, the growth of breweries and craft-beer bars is evidence that we were ahead of our time.
Another challenge was making sure that our food menu grew in tandem with our beer selection. We didn’t want to be known as a great beer bar that had limited food choices. We wanted the food to be as much of a draw as the beer.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Horseshoe Pub & Restaurant – what should we know?
The Horseshoe Pub & Restaurant is a gastro-style pub with 80 beers on tap and an eclectic food menu. We have been a fixture in the Hudson community, and while other eating and drinking establishments have come and gone, we have stood the test of time.
Our calling card is certainly our beer selection, as we offer more craft beers on tap than any other bar in Metrowest. But while the beer brings people in, the food keeps them coming back.
We’re especially proud of the fact that we’ve been in business – as a family – for 38 years. This is particularly impressive in the hospitality industry, where restaurants and bars disappear in the blink of an eye, depending upon the latest trends. We don’t follow the trends, we set them.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
A big reason for our success has been that we listen to our customers. We constantly revise our menu, add or change beers, and even change some internal procedures based at least in part on what customers want and ask for.
Pricing:
- Craft beers – range in price from $4.00 up to $9.00, depending on size and brand
- Domestic beers – $3.50 for most popular brands
- Food – appetizers from $10-$15, entrees from $14-$24
Contact Info:
- Address: 29 South Street. Hudson, MA 01749
- Website: www.horseshoepub.com
- Phone: 978 568-1265
- Email: thehorseshoe@comcast.net
- Facebook: @HorseshoePubHudson
- Twitter: @horseshoehudson
Image Credit:
Whitney Brule Photography (http://www.whitneybrulephotography.com/)
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