Published Wednesday, February 26, 2003
raise awareness locally
emphasize safety
Herald Staff Writer
The recent tragedies in Chicago and Rhode Island have hit home for many local bar and restaurant owners.
The death of Great White lead guitarist and Sharon native Ty Longley especially strikes a chord for the staff at Three By the River in Sharon, which is composed of Quaker Steak and Lube, Tully's and The Hot Rod Cafe.
"With Ty being a former employee and playing here, it pretty much hits home," said Bob Mentrek, vice president and chief operating officer of Best Wings U.S.A. "We just thought the world of Ty ... just knowing something like that could happen, we're doing everything we can to ensure something like that doesn't happen here."
Pyrotechnics will no longer be permitted for concerts, although when they were used before it was only by professional fireworks companies and with the approval of the Sharon fire department.
"It's just not worth the risk," Mentrek said.
On Tuesday the Sharon fire chief inspected all the buildings at Three By the River as a precaution.
Unlike the Station in Rhode Island, where everyone rushed to the front door because it was apparently the only exit they knew, patrons use several different doors to get in and out of the buildings at Three By the River, where there are sprinkler systems. The Sharon police and fire department are also close by in case of emergency.
"We're a pretty busy nightclub hot spot in the valley," Mentrek said. "We try to work with the police and fire department to do the best job we can for patrons."
Billy's Black and Gold in Sharon, which sees large crowds during Steelers games, also has more than one known exit. There are three main doors, plus an exit through the kitchen. Even the second floor has easily accessible stairs and a ramp.
"There are plenty of ways to get out here," said owner Bill Novosel.
A popular gathering place in Sharpsville is Muscarella's Cafe Italia. Co-owner Tom Patton said Muscarella's is "crowd-friendly" but not a nightclub.
"We're more of a restaurant ... we don't get into the nightclub scene," he said.
Exits are located at both ends of the bar area, which holds about 60 people. Although it sometimes gets a little crowded, Patton said he doesn't really have problems with overcrowding.
"It certainly opens our eyes in our industry. It's such a tragedy," Patton said. "I couldn't imagine what that gentleman's going through that owns that bar (in Rhode Island)."
Sometimes crowds control themselves. Frequently the lobby of Rachel's in Springfield Township is spilling with patrons eager to sample the cuisine, but it seldom gets to be a problem.
"It polices itself," said Tim Reznor, Rachel's manager. "Once it gets to a certain wait (time), people just don't wait, especially if there is no place to wait." During the warmer, people also wait outside, he said.