Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.

The Alumni Club is back in business

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD The Entertainment District's latest addition has been almost two years in the making, but the Alumni Club is open and owner Richard Janek said business is good.

Janek teamed up with attorney Frank Caruso and businessman James Santaniello to re-hab the three-story building on Taylor Street that was last the home of the Pioneer Valley Brew Pub.

Janek's Alumni Club is on the first floor. It will expand to the second floor later this year, while the third floor will be office space, including one for Caruso's law practice.

The first floor club area is a large, open space with a modern minimalist design and a grey, white and black color scheme. There are two bars on either end of the club. The area is dotted with video monitors and a stage has been built on the Taylor Street side.

Janek told Reminder Publications that patrons have told him the club looks like it should be located in New York or Boston and they like the location better.

An area toward the back of the building that had been an atrium has been replaced and will be eventually used as a dining area

Caruso and Janek said the next step is to finish the club's kitchen and to decide on a menu, although Janek said he is leaning towards a bistro format.

The club marked its official grand opening on Feb. 9, although it opened for business on Feb. 3. Janek said that reaction from his patrons has been positive.

Janek operated the Alumni Club from a location on Worthington Street for many years and is continuing his popular karaoke format Thursday through Sunday.

Having worked in downtown clubs since 1990, Janek said he is working toward a return of having someplace where downtown employees can go for a drink and meal after work. Too many of the clubs in the Entertainment District cater to younger patrons with peak hours being 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Janek added.