Building the Billiards Community: 25 Years of Jimmy’s Pro Billiards
For a quarter-century, Jimmy’s Pro Billiards has been more than just a pool hall-it’s a cornerstone of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, where camaraderie, competition, and billiards community converge. Founded in 1998 by former professional pool player Jimmy “The Kid” Wetch, this iconic venue has weathered industry shifts, economic challenges, and societal changes to emerge as a beloved local institution. From its Diamond tables to its legendary burgers, Jimmy’s has crafted a legacy defined by inclusivity, resilience, and creative events like “Play Pool with a Cop,” which exemplify its commitment to uniting diverse groups under one roof.
From Road Hustler to Billiards Community Pillar
Jimmy Wetch’s journey to becoming a community pillar is as compelling as his pool career. A prodigy who dropped out of high school to hustle on the road, Wetch earned his nickname “The Kid” while dominating underground matches across the U.S. His transition from high-stakes gambling to professionalism in 1994 marked a turning point, but it was his decision to open Jimmy’s Pro Billiards that cemented his legacy. After a traumatic robbery in Houston ended his hustling days, Wetch channeled his passion into creating a space where pool could thrive without the shadows of his past. The hall’s early years faced hurdles, including the 2007 statewide smoking ban that shuttered many Twin Cities pool venues. Yet Jimmy’s adaptability-introducing 22 craft beers, 22 gourmet burgers, and league partnerships-kept it afloat. Today, it stands as one of only five surviving pool halls in the metro area, a testament to Wetch’s vision.
“Play Pool with a Cop”: Bridging Divides Through Cue Sports
In June 2023, Jimmy’s celebrated its 25th anniversary with “Play Pool with a Cop,” an event that epitomizes its community-first ethos. Over a dozen Columbia Heights police officers traded badges for cues, playing alongside locals in a relaxed, laughter-filled environment. The idea, spearheaded by Officer Bill Monberg and Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula, aimed to foster trust and dialogue between law enforcement and residents.
“We wanted to humanize both sides,” said Wetch, who has hosted similar mixers since 2018. “When you’re leaning over a table together, strategizing shots, titles and uniforms don’t matter-you’re just people sharing a game”.
The event’s success underscores Jimmy’s role as a neutral ground where stereotypes dissolve, a rarity in today’s polarized climate.
More Than Pool: A Hub for All Ages
While pool remains the draw, Jimmy’s has cultivated a multifaceted identity:
1. Leagues and Tournaments
- The hall partners with the American Poolplayers Association (APA), hosting nightly leagues that welcome amateurs and semi-pros alike. Recent events, like the $300-added 8-Ball tournament with pros Earl Strickland and Dennis Hatch, highlight its competitive pedigree
2. Family-Friendly Atmosphere
- Unlike stereotypical pool halls, Jimmy’s bans smoking and prioritizes cleanliness. Yelp reviewers praise its “low-drama” vibe, where families, seniors, and league teams coexist comfortably
3. Creative Events
- Weekly “Draw Your Partner” foosball nights and seasonal leagues keep calendars packed, while private events-from birthday parties to corporate retreats-leverage the venue’s 22-table capacity
Challenges and Adaptations
Jimmy’s longevity hasn’t come without struggles. The smoking ban initially slashed revenue, prompting Wetch to secure a liquor license and revamp the menu. Parking limitations also persist, deterring older patrons despite the hall’s proximity to Central Avenue.
Yet innovations like takeout burger kits during COVID-19 and partnerships with local breweries demonstrate Wetch’s knack for reinvention.
A Legacy of Connection
At its core, Jimmy’s Pro Billiards thrives because it answers a universal need: a place to belong. Regulars like Frank A. call it their “home away from home,” while visitors like kollegedave marvel at its “climate-controlled camaraderie”.
For Wetch, who once played for thousands on shadowy roadhouse tables, this sense of community is his greatest victory.
“Pool’s a lonely game when you’re hustling,” he reflects. “Here, watching kids learn their first bank shot or cops high-fiving retirees-that’s what keeps me going”.
As Jimmy’s enters its next quarter-century, its legacy is secure: not just as a pool hall, but as a proving ground for connection in an increasingly disconnected world.
Casual players appreciate the mix of 7-foot and 9-foot Diamond tables, known for their “tight pockets” and immaculate upkeep.
The menu, featuring hand-cut fries and “the best burger in a pool hall” (per patron Matthew L.), transforms the space into a dining destination.
