KINGSTON — They say an old dog can’t learn new tricks. But maybe, an old bar can.
Many residents of Kingston will remember the low, green building that houses the Filling Station. It always looked a little seedy and rough. Now, though the outside still looks the same, the inside is completely changed.
Just one year ago, Adam Cobb, 29, bought the run-down tavern and shook things up a bit.
“I wanted people to realize that this wasn’t some wild biker bar,†Cobb said. “It’s hard though, because the exterior is dark and still feels run down.â€
Cobb has plans to change the tavern’s exterior, he’s thinking of putting up cedar siding, or something similar to make the bar look more inviting. The inside, however, causes many to rethink the Filling Station as it is right now. It’s all wood paneling and polished surfaces.
“Don’t judge a book by its cover. The decor is totally changed,†Cobb said. “We made the tables ourselves, out of old bowling alley lanes. You can see the arrows on some of them.â€
The Filling Station is not only shiny and new on the inside, but offers a variety of food and drinks. Fancy a wild salmon burger? Or perhaps a prime rib sandwich? The Filling Station is the place to go.
“The ribs here are the specialty,†Cobb said. “They are really good.â€
The Filling Station is a full service bar, and can make any drink under the sun. Cobb said they also fiddle around with drink recipes, creating their own like a Miami Vice, or the Banana Gorilla.
“The past owner hadn’t ever raised prices,†Cobb said. “I came in and raised them. There were a couple of people who were unhappy about that. Overall, though, business is up.â€
Cobb started owning and operating businesses when he was 22. Since then, he’s owned five businesses. He heard about the Filling Station from a buddy in Kingston. Cobb decided it sounded like just the place for him, and put in a bid.
“In the end, a lot of people tried to get it,†he said. After a successful bid, though, Cobb is looking at one year of successful business.
To celebrate, he is planning a big event for the one year anniversary of the Filling Station. The party starts at 12 p.m. June 11.
“Everything, from microbrews to appetizers,†Cobb said. “It’s going to be $2 everything.â€
The Filling Station is also gearing up for Fourth of July, when it throws a big party that’s part of the Kingston events.
“We’re turning the parking lot into a beer garden, and rolling a flatbed truck in here for a stage,†Cobb said. “There’s a place out here where we have outdoor beer taps, and can serve beer to people outside.â€
Cobb said he has bouncers for Friday and Saturday nights in case things get a little rowdy.
“We’ve never had a fight here since I’ve owned it,†he said, noting that he works to keep it that way. “This should be a place where everyone can come hang out.â€