Posted on Friday, 7/03/2009 - 8:42 a.m. PDT — by BazookaJoe
I know on that other Matchmaker thread there was speculation Bases Loaded Restaurant and Bar may open their doors on the 4th and I would have posted this info there, but since that thread appeared to be headed more toward the effectiveness of hair-loss products and chicken fighting, I decided it might be best to post it here on a fresh new thread.
Yesterday, with Furlough-Friday looming, and the Thursday deadline for passing the building inspection and permit processing fast approaching, a joint decision was made not to attempt to open the restaurant on Saturday to the public. It would be counterproductive to do so. The County Health Dept did sign off on the kitchen so it could be fired up, but to try and force a quick opening with a limited menu just because of the holiday festivities didn't make any sense. The idea of opening with less than 100% kitchen operations and a fully functioning bar is not the way Bases Loaded wants to portray itself. It's all about branding, although future customers will certainly play a part in that too. The City advertises the Rivertown 4th of July Celebration as "Alcohol Free," so to open with bar operations in full swing and food service not ready, doesn't coincide with their attempt to provide a family friendly safe-n-sane event.
There was also this little problem of not being able to get the fire inspector out on Thursday but we won't mention that so as not to get Livermore Mike all fired-up again. :)
Sorry for the unfortunate news, but Bases Loaded Restaurant & Bar still really needs a couple weeks or so to get the Kinks out. Bazooka Joe will keep you informed of the opening date. Oh my gosh, I'm talking about myself in the 3rd person now! Stop by the booth on the parking lot adjacent to the El Campanil to say "hi" and get a free handout!
Have a safe and fun Independence Day!
Customer: "Waiter! How did this eyelash get in my food?" 
Waiter: I don't know... In the blink of an eye????? 
Only 442 Remaining Until Bazooka Joe's Last Post!
Joined: Aug 2007
Current Posts: 45
I'm glad they made that decision, we are all waiting eagerly and a little longer can't hurt. I know I would rather wait for a bit longer and know it is going to be right.
Joined: Oct 2007
Current Posts: 107
Thanks for the heads up. Could not agree more. They are right in wanting first impression to run smoothly. You know how people tend to judge right off. Unfortunately.
Joined: May 2008
Current Posts: 66
Terry AKA BJ,
Thanks for building a beautiful new building/Restautant in our downtown.
It will be a nice business for the next owner, .as I give it 6 months..
Joined: Jan 2008
Current Posts: 1278
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1454
Cowboy, I had forgotten all about that Jimmy Buffet song! You nailed it
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4865
4Antioch, that's funny about the restaurant that advertised L.B.J. ate there. Maybe they wanted people to believe it was former president Lyndon B. Johnson, when in actuality it was this guy, "Lester B. Jones," whose real claim to fame was being sent to prison in 1940 for running an illegal whiskey distilling business? Looks like somebody is still looking for him because they can't find a death certificate. If they can locate his brother Clester, he may know what happened to Lester. Or maybe they could just follow the cluster of "L.B.J. Ate Here" signs and see where the trail leads?
Lester B. Jones
Only 429 Remaining Until Bazooka Joe's Last Post!
Joined: Jun 2009
Current Posts: 153
understandable.
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3113
It's always best to wait for the right time for a lot of things and not rush it. Usually the wait is well worth it.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1854
I was planning to hang out in the air-conditioning all day.
Didn't plan on imbibing(?) in alcohol anyway. Will they be handing out tote bags to the first 100 people on opening day? Or maybe that former councilman can tell you where to get pencils with Bases Loaded.
Or pay someone to sell his in front of the door.
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3113
I hope the people at Bases Loaded remember that city offices are closed today because of Furlough Fridays. Don't you need a permit to have that booth next to the El Campanil? This red tape is getting ridiculous.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1854
You know I wondered about where the lot was adjacent to the El Campanil. Then it dawned on me he must have meant the booth set up on the 4th. I had to think about it a bit though.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4865
Permit for a booth??? It's a 10x10 shade gazebo, not a porta-potty! (Just want to make that clear so there's no confusion).
Only 441 Remaining Until Bazooka Joe's Last Post!
Joined: Dec 2005
Current Posts: 1186
bj come on now.
at the jambory the 10x10 permit was about $ 300 for 2 days, + 1 mill liability insurance, plus antioch biz license, plus electricity if needed, and plus license fees for food vendors...
i went into a weekend with about minus $ 500
(other cities also want a percentage from the profits)
I will keep my GUNS, my FREEDOM, my MONEY, you can keep the CHANGE
Joined: Jun 2008
Current Posts: 14
Please don't get the Kinks out. They would be a major draw for the restaurant.
Customer: "Waiter! What's this fly doing in my soup?"
Waiter: It looks like the backstroke, sir.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1854
Customer: "Waiter! What's this fly doing in my soup?"
Waiter: Just don't tell Obama!
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3113
Customer: (shouting) "Waiter!!! There's a fly in my soup!!!"
Waiter: "Shhhhh. Keep your voice down. Now everyone's going to want one."
Joined: Jan 2008
Current Posts: 1278
Customer: Waiter, there's a fly in my soup!
Waiter: That's very possible, the cook used to be a tailor!
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4865
I bet Obama lost the endorsement next time around from the Venus Fly Trap Botanical Club of America. All 5 members are outraged he stole the luster from their organization. Membership dropped way down since he proved you could catch files with your bare hands.
Only 440 Remaining Until Bazooka Joe's Last Post!
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3113
If I remember correctly, he didn't catch the fly, he smacked it and it died instantly, falling to the floor. It was a quick, humane death, unlike the fate that awaits a fly caught in a Venus Flytrap... a slow, grusome, painful death brought on by the fly being disolved by digestive fluids from the plant.
I like to catch flies in my hand, shake them until they're senseless and then throw them against a wall and watch them twitch for a while before squashing them. But there's always a sense of remorse that comes with this and I know it's probably affecting my inner soul, right???............NAAAAHH!!!
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 1161
:::Wondering if PETA should be suing Venus Flytraps for their inhumane ingestion/digestion of said flies::: "Help me! Helllllllllp meeeeeee!"
Meanwhile, back at the homestead . . . flies = both free cat food and feline exercise equipment alike. "MmmMMMmmm, protein"!
Good kitty!
_____
Coexist
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1854
Let's put Antioch on the map. Call Guiness Book Of Records.
Fly Catching Contest to be held at Bases Loaded Patio. Male flies only and they must be released alive or points taken off. Sign-up sheets at the booth.
Joined: Jul 2009
Current Posts: 21
I live down the street from Bases Loaded. I sure hope it doesn't turn into another All Star Sports Bar
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3113
Well, if enough of us hang out there (everyone except Ira of course) it won't.
Hey Cowboy, I forgot about that song. Perfect! When Bases Loaded gets their live entertainment going, maybe they can have whoever's up there sing that song every night and have it dedicated to Ira.
Joined: Jan 2008
Current Posts: 1278
I'm looking forward to the opening and plan on changing over for my weekly "night out".
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4865
I knew it was only a matter of time before there was a connection made about the restaurant and the fly references. How does this happen? Oh, Baseball - Catching Flies... I get itnow!
Consider this. Most restaurants are estatic when the President pays them a visit. Remember how McDonald's would go giddy everytime Clinton would make an impromptu stop along his jogging route to get a Big Mac? But since that fly-swatting stunt by Obama, everything's changed (I know, he's just fulfilling his promise). If a restauranteur sees the presidential limo pull up in front of their establishment, how do they know if Obama is coming in for lunch or because he heard it's a great place to swat flies? Does the "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone" sign work with the President of the United States? It could be a public relations nightmare you can't win no matter what you do! You better damn well hope a fly isn't buzzing around his head or the press will have a field day with that one!
Only 438 Remaining Until Bazooka Joe's Last Post!
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1454
I recall when we lived in Topsham, Maine (was stationed at NAS Brunswick at the time) and there was a small A&W Root Beer stand that had a big sign out on their building that said "LBJ Ate Here!".
Well, he may have eaten there, but their hot dogs sucked!
I'd almost bet that there must have been a sign further up the road that said "LBJ barfed here"
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1454
That 'fly' scenario sounds exactly like what he is doing to our economy!
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1454
Kinks! I'm sure I have all their albums
so I'm not sure I want all the "Kinks" out of Bases Loaded 
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1854
I'm in a State of Confusion. You Really Got Me Going when I was Sitting By The Riverside and All My Friends Were There. People Taking Pictures Of Each Other and Dancing In The Street under the Big Sky. Something Better Beginning to Set Me Free.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 2992
The proprietor is a Well Respected Man and a Dedicated Follower of Fashion. He has been working All Day and All of the Night and I'm frankly Tired of Waiting for this place to open.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4865
LOL!
Only 424 Remaining Until Bazooka Joe's Last Post!
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1454
Now, those last two posts were the best ever! Clearly you both have too much time on your hands (and now you have me singing all those Kinks songs in my head). I'm going to have to drag out the turntable and have some Kinks fun!
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 2992
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQiJdf-ebIs
Joined: Jun 2007
Current Posts: 313
We planned our whole 4th of July around the opening. It was gonna be Bases Loaded, then the parade, then Bases Loaded again, then the fireworks, then Bases Loaded again! The whole day was gonna be loaded with Bases Loaded. Now what are we gonna do. Please, say it ain't so Joe!! :-)
Iris Joshua 1:9
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1454
Iris, funny you wrote that, as that is exactly how I and my kids wanted to spend the 4th of July downtown! We'll just have to plan that for 2010!
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 2992
Bummer. I was hoping to get in there and help in the christening. Well, maybe it will be ready after the all star break?
Joined: May 2009
Current Posts: 13
I'm just wondering where is the parking for this resturant? stupid place to build a resturant with no parking. Again stupid city of antioch for letting them build it there..
Joined: May 2008
Current Posts: 66
Hey idiot,
Ever been to a restaurant in Walnut Creek, San Francisco or, Berkeley ?
I mean other than a drive through...
Maybe you should get out of you 1967 ford pick up and walk a block or two.
DOOOH !
Joined: Jun 2009
Current Posts: 153
As long as it doent turn Ghetto, Ill be there drinking my beer there
Joined: Jun 2009
Current Posts: 153
no belts, no diploma, no service
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1454
Denver, you really need to read more. The entire Rivertown District has what is called a "parking overlay", which means that all street parking and the city-owned parking lots (including the City hall parking lot) are for use by patrons of all the businesses down town.
As was mentioned by another poster, just look at Walnut Creek, Concord, Oakland and San Francisco as other examples of 'parking overlays'. The only difference being, you don't have to pay for parking in Antioch's Rivertown District, which along saves motorists in excessive parking fees and parking tickets!
Joined: May 2009
Current Posts: 13
Antioch is far from being San Fransisco or any other big city. I'm just saying poor spot for a sports bar especially when a lot of downtown stores are closing up. Wonder how long this one will last
Joined: Dec 2005
Current Posts: 1186
@denver,
Wonder how long this one will last
it has to open first.......
I will keep my GUNS, my FREEDOM, my MONEY, you can keep the CHANGE
Joined: May 2007
Current Posts: 37
I am amazed at how critical people are of a business person who has hung in there this long to bring something that is so sorely needed downtown. Few, if any, know what it really takes.
Twenty three years ago my wife and I opened a restaurant downtown. The City Manager at the time said he didn't think we would last a year.
Twenty three years later - we are still here. The City Manager is not.
Good luck Bases Loaded. Welcome to Rivertown.
Rick
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1454
Rick, you hit the nail on the head!
I've always been amazed at the comments from people who have never owned and operated a business and put their family fortunes on the line, that make comments like that.
They always shine about what type or specific brand name store should go in here or go in their, but it just shows that they do not understand how businesses determine where they are going to locate.
They'll say "Oh, we only want Trader Joes" going in that location, but they never bother to contact Trader Joes to see if there is an interest - they leave it up to someone else.
But as you know, as a business owner, you survey the land, see if things pencil out, determine if there is the type of clientle you desire with the necessary disposable income to patronize your business.
I for one believe that Bases Loaded is going to be a wonderful success story and catalyst for the Rivertown District.
Joined: Jun 2006
Current Posts: 242
@Denver, from the tone of your comments I would venture a guess that you won't be a regular there?
Antioch is big enough to support a decent sports bar. Plenty of sports fans here. Plenty of people that like good food. Plenty of people that like the owner and host. I'll go far enough to say that it will thrive and play a big part in revitalizing downtown. Save the cynicism and bring an appetite/thirst when it opens. As long as my New York teams get some play on the big screens, I'll be there.
Joined: Jan 2008
Current Posts: 1278
And the Cowboys !
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1454
Denver, think "catalyst" as that is exactly what Bases Loaded is going to be to the Rivertown District.
Joined: May 2009
Current Posts: 13
All has a right to one's opinion. I hope it does good. I'm just saying it a poor choice to build at that spot. I don't care what Walnut Creek other Cities have done. I know few people who live close to it and they don't like the idea of a sports bar so near. And I don't blame them. I may go in there and try them when they open. A lot of people don't go downtown Antioch cause really there isn't much down there anymore, I see now Winner Circle is moving from down there. I'm down there daily and there is not much going on. Good luck with bases loaded hope it does make it.
Joined: Dec 2006
Current Posts: 131
In my opinion, the city of Antioch is lucky to have Bases Loaded coming in. A lot of us long time Antioch citizens have been hoping that downtown Antioch can be revitalized. The owners of Bases Loaded are taking a risk and I certainly hope their venture is successful.
I look forward to watching games on the big screens. When I am not rooting on my Oakland teams, I will be booing the New York (sorry Mr. Temptation), Boston and L.A. teams.
I have heard politicians promote the downtown for decades, maybe this will be the push we need. Doing nothing is certainly not going to revitalize the downtown.
Good Luck Bases Loaded
Andy voted best looking poster four years in a row
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4865
Yes Andy, and you winning "best looking poster four years in a row" is living proof that anything can happen! You just won over my vote for next year!
Only 435 Remaining Until Bazooka Joe's Last Post!
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3113
Not only that, but I did see a pig fly earlier this year inside the El Campanil.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 2992
Anything is possible.
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3113
THAT'S THE ONE!!!!
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4865
A flying genetically altered Chernobyl pig?
Getting back to Bases Loaded, it would be great if people would check their prejudices at the front door. Next to the Jackie Robinson shrine at the front entrance is a good place. That goes for me too. If an Amish guy walks in I promise not to crack any fireplace mantel jokes. What kind of sports do the Amish like? Maybe the National Cow Milking Championships will be on and they can watch it on the big screen? As long as showing the cow's privates don't conflict with the family friendly atmosphere.
Only 430 Remaining Until Bazooka Joe's Last Post!
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1454
BJ, I hope this doesn't mean that Bases Loaded will be closed every 4th of July.
In the past when the parade was at 5 pm, you would find the Beer Garden and Wallace Arms jammed with folks and those businesses did a considerable amount of business to help their books. And there were no alcohol-realated incidents from anyone who stopped in for a "cold one" on previous 4th of July celebrations downtown.
The troublemakers were getting their excess of alcohol elsewhere (bringing it with them or getting tanked at home or friends before coming downtown).
The "Simonsen" clan is really looking forward to the openig of Bases Load and I think I have already spotted my table outside in the smoking area
Joined: Mar 2007
Current Posts: 71
BJ...
Will Bases Loaded be opening before July 18th? Can gift certificates be purchased? I would like to purchase one as a raffle donation for the upcoming Jeff Coffman Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit golf clubs for delta kids.
Harrier
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4865
Hi Harrier,
I just got back from being out of town for a few days. As you can imagine, I get answered that question a lot about the opening date, and after having been wrong before (not just by days, weeks, or months, but years now), I'm always hesitant to say a date. I can tell you staffing interviews were held all week. Both the health and fire inspections went well and the ABC license should be issued any day now. The smallwares are being delivered and stocked on shelves. The Coke and Beer lines are nearly completed. It's really just allowing proper time to train, practice, and make sure everything in the new building is working properly. The last timeline I saw showed a Grand Opening the last weekend of the month, July 31st or so. That's not to say the doors won't be opening earlier for the customary "soft opening" whenever they feel ready.
The gift cards are not ready yet, but should be real soon. I'll see what can be done in the way of a raffle donation for the Golf Tournament you mentioned and get back to you via a private email.
Only 406 Remaining Until Bazooka Joe's Last Post!
Joined: Dec 2005
Current Posts: 1186
@bazooka,
Beer lines are nearly completed.
right here you can see, where the mistake was made, and why it takes so long to open the doors.
finish the beer lines first, and all the workers will work faster and be happy.
I will keep my GUNS, my FREEDOM, my MONEY, you can keep the CHANGE
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 2992
Better yet, eliminate the beer lines and people will be much more likely to show up. No one likes to wait in lines.
Joined: Jan 2008
Current Posts: 1278
And after the beer lines comes the bathroom lines !
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4865
And after the second time through the beer line, comes this great line:
"Good thing I brought my library card, pretty mama, 'cuz I'm checkin' you out!"
Only 398 Remaining Until Bazooka Joe's Last Post!
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 2992
Or the related library line:
"Are you an overdue book? 'Cuz you've got FINE written all over you."
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1854
"You're so worn out, you're in the discard pile."
Joined: Dec 2008
Current Posts: 183
Everyone seems to be interested in the beer lines, but it was the Coke lines that I noticed. That will really get them working faster.
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 1161
*Snerk!* Coke lines . . . LMAO!
_____
Coexist
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 2992
Coke lines - LOL. What about the base lines? This gal looks like she could put base lines just about anywhere.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4865
Now I'm really confused. Is that a chalk line or a coke line?
There's a lot of HIGH things in that picture besides that lady. That kid's bicycle seat, her capri pant legs, that silver foul pole she didn't line up right with, the overflowing garbage in that trash can...
Only 393 Remaining Until Bazooka Joe's Last Post!
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1454
OMG, I'd hate to see the size of the straw!
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 617
how about run beer tap lines to what i guess we can call a rental tables,you rent the table pour as much beer as you like and pay what ever the meter says alas no beer lines.lol