August was a month of community involvement and rejuvenation for Paulie and Trish Girard, owners of Paulie G’s Pool Hall and Deli on Olympia’s eastside. Focusing on participation at the Thurston County Fair, preparation for the fall pool leagues and trying to find cooler alternatives to the end of summer heat, the Girards closed the pool hall for the month of August and re-opened on September 1.
“This is the first time in over four years, since opening in 2012 that we have been out of the pool room. We wanted to do something in the community and really could not be in two places at once so we focused our efforts on the Thurston County Fair,” says the couple.
At the Thurston County Fair, Paulie G’s offered six sandwiches and two salads including the local favorite chef salad and a cranberry apple salad served on a bed of fresh greens. As a first time participant at the Thurston County Fair, the Girards completely underestimated the demand for their sandwiches.
“We brought what we thought would be enough for the entire time at the Fair and we sold out the first day,” shares Paulie. “It felt like we served more sandwiches on that first day than we do in a year.”
“We served a ton of our regular customers, saw people we knew from church and school, plus met a bunch of new people. It was exactly what we were hoping by getting out of the pool hall and into the community. And we received so much help from the volunteers, including the Olympia High School wrestling team, North Thurston High School students and members of the Yelm Future Farmers of America,” he adds.
And as the newcomers to the Thurston County Fair, Paulie G’s made quite an impression by receiving numerous awards. They were awarded the Blue Ribbon Vendor award yet they were so swamped with sandwich orders they were not even able to go up to the stage to receive the award. On the final day of the Fair, they were awarded the Board of Director’s Ribbon based on outstanding customer service.
“We received amazing support from the community at the Thurston County Fair. It was simply overwhelming. Not only did we receive support from the Fair Directors in terms of awards and from fair goers by eating our sandwiches, but the most incredible surprise was the support from the other vendors like Martin of Paco’s Tacos, the beautiful ladies of Lattin’s Cider Mill, the funky bunch from Dutch Bros. Coffee that kept us going with their coffee, and the sweethearts from Fisher Scones who hooked me up with a to go bag every night to give to my parents. The fellowship was amazing. They all made us feel welcomed. They made us feel at home.”
Acknowledging the success of Paulie G’s first off-site venture and the tasty sandwiches, Thurston County Fair attendees inquired about the prospect of a future food truck. While flattered, Paulie remains committed to the pool hall. “Just operating a food truck would certainly cut down my work load but we want to offer a pool hall,” he says. “We are the only one in the area and there has not been a local pool hall in 18 years. That is what we are offering the community – the best sandwiches and a safe, alcohol free, family-friendly place to play pool.”
September is back to business as usual for Paulie and Trish. The BCA League will start on September 12. Individuals and teams are encouraged to go to the pool hall to sign up. Teams consist of four people. Participants can either bring in their own team or join a team.
Fall also is time to register for Trish’s holiday bazaar on Saturday, November 26. While spots have filled up quickly based on last year’s success and recent participation in the Thurston County Fair, space remains for just a couple more vendors. Those interested and crafty can visit Paulie G’s Facebook page for more information.
September also brings the annual nominations for the KING5 Best of Western Washington contest. Paulie G’s has been recognized in the contest the last two years for their sandwiches. In 2014, they were honored with the 21st spot out of 174 nominees while improving their position last year to 16th out of 170 nominees. “We want to continue to improve our ranking. We would be so proud to reach the top ten,” he says. “It is a lofty goal as we are competing against some major players – places that make more sandwiches in a day than we do all month long. While our customers believe we make the best sandwich, we do not do the volume as some of the chain restaurants, but we still have the best tasting. And anyone who had one of our sandwiches at the Thurston County Fair would know that.”
Stop by Paulie G’s Pool House and Deli anytime after September 1 to sign up for the BCA League or the Holiday Bazaar. Or simply swing by to play pool and eat a scrumptious sandwich.
Paulie G’s Pool Hall and Deli
Open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
527 Devoe Street SE in Olympia
360-338-0354
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