Local tavern closes doors temporarily

Even though the name still stands, a fresh start is the goal for the new ownership of Railroad Tavern.

The Railroad, located on 84 Main Street, opened for the last time under the previous ownership Tuesday, Feb. 16. However, the closing is only temporary.   

Nicolas Massucco, of Bellows Falls, Vt., bought the property on Friday Feb. 12 and his father, Ron Massucco, decided to help him get the business running again.

According to Ron Massucco, who spoke on behalf of his son, this is not the first time his son has worked in the business.

“Nick has worked at bars in south Florida while he attended Lynn University. I am part of an LLC cooperation and Nick decided buying this business was the right move for him,” Ron Massucco said.

The name “Railroad” will remain for the bar because Massucco thought it was the best thing to do.

According to some Keene State College students, including senior Nick Elwell, there is a question if things will change or remain the same for the business.

According to Ron Massucco, their current focus is on creating a pleasant environment at the establishment.

“Our main goal is to have a clean atmosphere, where people can come enjoy a good meal and have a good time,” Massucco said.

According to Massucco, the hours of operation will be from 4 p.m. until 1 a.m.  The dance floor will remain open and they hope to have special events on weekends.
According to Massucco, the previous strict ID enforcement policy will continue with the new owners.

“We will be enforcing very strict policy with checking identification. There will be someone at the door carding people at around 8 p.m. and that bouncer will be responsible for reporting a fake ID,” Massucco said.

Previous workers of the old Railroad found out the day before it closed that they wouldn’t have their jobs the following day. Keene State College junior Paul Haley, a former employee, said he was shocked when he heard it would be his last night of work.
“I was devastated and shocked when I was told [Railroad Tavern] were closing. All of us workers were really unsure about what was going to happen and it seemed like everything happened so fast,” Haley said.

Massucco said there is still a possibility some of the previous employees will be hired back.

“We are currently reviewing applications of the former employers and accepting new applications as well,” Massucco said.

Haley found out on Tuesday, Feb. 3 that he was rehired.

“I am extremely happy and everything is turning out good so far,” Haley said.
Haley said he has a positive outlook on the new ownership.

“I don’t know Nick too much but he seems like a great guy. He definitely has a good head on his shoulders and he has a lot of new ideas,” Haley said.

Some new ideas Massucco has for the Railroad are karaoke Wednesdays, a ladies 80s theme, live entertainment and a consistent DJ. Even though Haley is unsure about why the previous business closed, he said he is curious to see how the new workers will handle the college crowd.

“I am excited to see how things work out, but I will continue to be strict with checking IDs,” Haley said. “Bars in Keene are like bars anywhere else. I don’t recommend testing a fake ID and I hope students still come to have a good time and support us.”
Massucco said the bar will open as soon as possible. They are currently waiting on is the liquor commissioner to approve their license. The new ownership is receiving mixed reviews from KSC students. According to Elwell, the previous ownership maintained an atmosphere that appealed to college students.

“I think they had a good thing going before and, if they change a lot of things, they may lose a lot of business,” Elwell said.

Senior Jenna Ward said the change in ownership surprised her.

“It was a shock when I found out that bar was closing. It happened before the blink of an eye,” Ward said.

However, Ward said she is really looking forward to the new opening of the bar and the changes. Junior Stacy Fielding said she liked the old bar and hopes there will not be too many changes. All things aside, 84 Main St. will still be considered “The Railroad Tavern.” The bar is set to open the week of March 1, pending on liquor license approval.

Kristyn Bellino can be contacted at kbellino@keeneequinox.com.