New Hustle & Joe’s doesn’t disappoint

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After six years as another empty building, 1700 Grant St., the place formerly known as Satches, then Chez Criton, is born again as a sports bar.

But it is not just a sports bar, it’s one established by local businessman Jamal “Hustle Man” Rodgers and Joe Jackson, patriarch of the Jackson family including the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Hustle and Joe’s Sports Bar made its grand opening last weekend with a three-night event that kicked off Dec. 2 with an extraordinary jazz concert by Reggie Foster and Note 4 Note, with local poet Elena Love hosting, singing and reciting.

Other events included a concert from the legendary R&B group the Chi-Lites featuring Marshall Thompson, as well as another singer, Joe Wayne.

And the weekend closed with veteran comedians George Wilborn from the syndicated radio show “The Michael Baidson Show,” which airs on Soul 106.3 FM, Tony Sculfield from WGCI-FM and Damon Williams, who hosts a New Year’s Eve comedy show at the Star Plaza and appears weekly on “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” on Soul 106.3.

I was able to attend Friday night’s event and was not disappointed with what I witnessed. From the moment I walked through the first set of double doors and was searched by security to when I entered the second set of doors, I was amazed at the transformation.

Those who remember the interior setup from the previous establishments will also be impressed with the changes. What once had closed-in sections and a small seating area is now more open with intimate size seating and table arrangements.

A stage and dance floor promises more entertainment along with an option to watch sports at any angle you wish thanks to multiple flat-screen televisions.

This is an establishment that has the potential for growth in the community and can be an addition to other venues like the Link Bar, Roxxy’s, Romeo’s and more.

Yes, there is a strict dress code and the age demographic is 25 years and older, but if you want somewhere to relax and enjoy food and drinks — and if you don’t drink alcoholic beverages Hustle & Joe’s has a juice bar
and a selection of pop — and watch the game or check out an event, this can be your newest hangout.

I want to make a clarification regarding the item in last week’s column about Triumphant Transitions’ Holiday Community Initiative and donations of non-perishable food items for Sojourner Truth House.

Please donate non-perishable foods of any kind to the following drop off sites: Big Daddy’s BBQ, 4213 Cleveland St., Billco’s Barbershop, 2448 Broadway, South Shore Centre for the Arts, 665 S. Lake St. and Stadium Buffet, 411 E. 5th Ave. Visit www.triumphanttransitions.org for additional information.