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Every night's poker night
Local poker league offers games seven nights a week at local restaurants
Date published: 3/1/2007
By ANDREA CHRISTIE It's late on a Saturday afternoon. While most of Buffalo Philly's restaurant is quiet, dozens flock toward the smoking section. They are there to take part in Fredericksburg's American Restaurant Poker League, which now plays Texas Hold 'Em seven nights a week at local restaurants. As the crowd grows, most are welcomed by their first names and begin to chat as they join a table. In a cloud of cigarette smoke, you hear laughter and see smiles as well as serious gazes as players focus on the game. The league, which began last October, is free for members and welcomes beginners. All you have to do is sign in. Kenny Blaney, co-owner of the league, is excited at its success. "We really tried to tailor [the league] to customers' needs, taking all the negative aspects of other leagues and making them positive," Blaney said. "We started at two locations and now have eight, with over 700 members. We even have Northern Virginia locations wanting to join." While on this particular Saturday there were about 40 players, according to co-owner Ron Gentile (the third co-owner is Robbie Butcher), some nights the league can have up to 100 people. Gentile said ages range from as young as 16 years old at day games to 85-year-old Inga Allee, a league regular. Buffalo Philly's owner, Chris Roth, was impressed with the new league. "The owners of the league really do a lot to promote the league," Roth said, "between the word of mouth, interacting with the crowd and keeping their Web site up to date." Mike Riddle, general manager of Cafe DaVanzo, said the league does a lot to "drum up business" for the restaurant. The league provides all the equipment and a host to oversee the games for the night, while the restaurants offer drinks and food specials. The league offers prizes to the top three winners of the night, with the top two automatically entered into the regionals, which are held every three months. More than 90 people were invited to the first regionals, held Feb. 3 at Brock's Riverside Grill. The regional tournament gave a trip to Atlantic City to the top winner, as well as other prizes donated by businesses. While the prizes are a nice incentive, many regulars said that wasn't their main reason for coming. "Everyone knows one another," Gentile said. "You don't have those arguments about 'you took me out.'" Brandon Peterson, a league regular, agreed. "The league gives everyone an opportunity to come out and get the community together," Peterson said. "I'd be here seven nights a week if I could." Mickey Maiden, along with his son Jason and his wife, Carla, have made playing poker a family event. "Jason asked me to teach him how to play because he saw how much fun it was," Mickey said. " I taught my wife to play, as well, and the first thing she did was win a tournament." Andrea Christie: 540/374-5000, ext. 5617Email: achristie@freelancestar.com
Read more stories about Fredericksburg Date published: 3/1/2007
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