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Hot Shots to undergo remodeling and offer expanded menu

  • Hot Shots Billiards and Grille owner Joe Hull works on the outside of his restaurant/bar/pool hall on Wednesday afternoon in Charles City. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Construction work being done outside Hot Shots Billiards and Grille on Wednesday afternoon in Charles City. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Construction work being done outside Hot Shots Billiards and Grille on Wednesday afternoon in Charles City. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Construction work being done outside Hot Shots Billiards and Grille on Wednesday afternoon in Charles City. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Construction work being done outside Hot Shots Billiards and Grille on Wednesday afternoon in Charles City. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Construction work being done outside Hot Shots Billiards and Grille on Wednesday afternoon in Charles City. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

  • Construction work being done outside Hot Shots Billiards and Grille on Wednesday afternoon in Charles City. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

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By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

Joe Hull said he can be a little fussy at times — but for good reason.

“If something doesn’t look good, I want to make it look good,” said Hull, owner of Hot Shots Billiards and Grille overlooking the Cedar River near downtown Charles City.

That’s why Hull has decided to undergo some upgrades and make some changes to his restaurant/bar/pool hall that he has owned at its current location for just over two years.

Some of those modifications will be a cosmetic facelift to the south  facade of the building that faces the river. A patio will be constructed in place of the wooden deck.

“I’ve got this vision in my head and that’s the way I want it,” said Hull. “I’m going to get it looking nice — nice and clean and modern like the inside.”

Hull has taken out the old wooden deck and plans on putting in bar top railing that will feature five tall tables that can each accommodate six people.

“What I vision is actually having that being kind of a bartop. You’re sitting at the bar, kind of, but instead of a bartender you’ve got the river,” Hull said.

Ground was broken on Wednesday by Nolts Custom Concrete as crews took out the old concrete block underneath the deck. Hull said he doesn’t know if he’ll stain the concrete or put an epoxy finish on it.

The picturesque riverfront landscape will also see construction of a separate 14-by-20-foot covered smoking patio on the east side of the building facing the parking lot.

“I’m going to get my smokers in a certain area where you’re not going to walk into the building and have a smoker standing right here. They’re going to be in their own little area, fenced in and covered,” said Hull.

Brick pavers near the entrance will also be replaced.

“It’s just going to be a nice, neat clean look when you come up to the building,” said Hull. “These pavers here were in such bad shape that I’m surprised nobody twisted an ankle yet.”

Hull hopes both patios will be finished by mid-June.

Another project Hull is working on is a 14-by-28-foot addition to his kitchen area. He said some new appliances will be used in that revamped section of the building, and he wants that part of the restaurant done by sometime next year.

Another surprise that Hull has in store for Hots Shots is an upgraded and expanded menu. He’s keeping those culinary add-ons a secret for now.

The pool hall portion of Hots Shots was open for business in September of 2017.

Hull said business has been good, although, “It could always be better,” he said. “We just need to offer more. Do more.”

Hull opened the kitchen a year ago this month and has offered a menu of signature burgers and other dishes like the Cedar River Sludge, which consists of fries, sauteed onions smothered with brown gravy and topped with onion rings. A prime rib Philly, grilled cod sandwich and tenderloins are some of the other sandwiches Hot Shots features on its menu.

There’s one last change that Hull wanted to remind his customers.

“I’m now going to be closed on Mondays,” he said. Hot Shots will open at 10:30 a.m. from Tuesday-Saturday.

Hull also wanted to make sure his customers know that just because there will be plenty of work going on outside of his restaurant, his staff will still be taking orders, serving drinks and making sure the pool tables are still primed for 8-ball action.

“We’re still open during construction,” said Hull. “Come on in. Don’t let us scare you.”

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