The Centralia and Salem Chambers of Commerce have welcomed the Boiler Room Speakeasy Bar to 216 East Broadway in downtown Centralia with a ribbon cutting.
The idea for the bar was born out of an unused meeting room at the rear of The Rail building and is currently open on Friday and Saturday nights with music on Saturday nights. The business is owned by Chris and Ray Quidgeon.
Ray said they wanted to do something more than a standard bar and the Speakeasy idea for a 20’s themed bar came from a business in Louisville, Kentucky. They then located a bar to build the concept around.
“Found that in Valier Illinois, from a place that was open during prohibition. From Pete and Mary’s Place it was a tavern. So we have friends, got a U-Haul, and brought that in. That was kind of the base we worked around, then put up some ceiling tile. Made it art deco themed, you know, hit up some antique shops and got the rest of the stuff. Just want it to be an experience because we know anyone can go anywhere and get a drink.”
Quidgeon says the craft cocktails and mock tails along with small bites are served on china in formal glasses while employees dress in 20’s style clothing to further the theme.
She is working with Colden Brewery to make sure customers visit each other’s business. Quidgeon sees a lot of potential for the growing number of downtown businesses to work together.
Quidgeon says while the Rail Coffee House at the front of the building is now closed, she’s hoping it may be able to reopen as soon as sometime this fall.
