After over two decades in the billiards scene, Soddy-Daisy resident Melissa Smith decided it was high time she opened a pool hall of her own.
Sweet Melissa's Billiards opened its doors in June. Smith said she wanted a Hixson location to bridge the gap between other pool-playing destinations, Charlie's Restaurant in Soddy-Daisy and Diamond Billiard Club in Red Bank.
Placing herself smack dab in the middle of Hixson has been a success thus far, she said. Her weekly tournaments have each drawn in at least two dozen people - something she credits to her kitchen staff and the quality tables she purchased for her hall.
"We've got Diamond Blue tables that the pros play on," she said. "They take anywhere from two to four months to ship, since they make them to order."
She's employing that mentality with her menu as well. Smith said she wanted to avoid humdrum bar food, and instead wanted to be able to bring in customers who were looking for a quality dinner.
"I feel like you have to have good food to stand out. I didn't want to be a bar where people came just for the alcohol," Smith said.
Rather than just wings and peanuts, her kitchen staff has put together a menu that includes steak, flatbread pizza, catfish breaded in-house and homemade sauces and spice blends.
In addition, she's mandated her kitchen stay open late - 2:30 a.m., to be exact - so people waiting on last call for drinks can still get a full meal made from scratch.
"I'd rather people stay here than go to Krystal or a fast food place," Smith laughed.
Smith said she is trying to cultivate an environment of friendliness, but also of competition. The tournaments and leagues she's hosting at Sweet Melissa's are gathering quite a following. A recent Saturday tournament brought people from Dalton, Knoxville, Nashville and Atlanta, she said.
She's no stranger to competition, either. In 2010, Smith was part of a ladies team that competed against 53 other teams in Las Vegas for a $10,000 grand prize. Smith's team took home second, along with the $5,000 prize that came with it. She wagered she's been to Vegas at least six times for billiards competitions, and that trend shows no signs of stopping now that she owns Sweet Melissa's.
"We've got a ladies' team [from Sweet Melissa's] in Las Vegas right now," she said. "And we've got another team that will be competing next week."
Smith hosts ladies' tournaments every month, and over two dozen women typically attend, she said. Tournaments open to everyone are also scheduled, including leagues that cater to beginner and intermediate level players. The summer league is currently wrapping up, and Sweet Melissa's fall league will start in October.
"I want people to be surprised when they come in here," said Smith. "We've got great pool, but great food and atmosphere too."
For more information, visit Sweet Melissa's Billiards at 1966 Northpoint Blvd., or call 803-6748.