Hard times on tap
The Jefferson Street Pub, more commonly known by Franklin College students as JSL, is a bit calmer at two in the afternoon than it is late at night. To the right of the door is an older couple with white hair, sharing dinner next to the karaoke machine. And although it is a different scene than what Franklin students would usually see there, it doesn’t bother the people who run the place.
Outside, owner Karen Duckworth’s makeshift office is, like many changes to the Jefferson Street Pub are, a sign of the times. The office is a row of small round tables, set off from the street by a plastic chain connecting a few moveable poles. This area is the only place where patrons of the pub can smoke since the broadening of Franklin’s smoking ban passed in May. This smoking ban is one of several factors that have hurt the local establishment in this economic downswing.
“We haven’t seen the worst of it yet,” said Jill Milligan, a JSL employee, “because it isn’t winter yet.”
The staff seems to agree that the effects of the tougher smoking regulations will reach climax when patrons become resistant to the idea of having to leave the bar to smoke. Duckworth predicts that customers will try and find other ways to get their smoking in, such as utilizing the restrooms as smoking rooms.
“I’m sure it has made an effect on the later business especially,” Duckworth said.
Another factor of change was the opening of several other bars in the area, particularly BoJak’s Bar & Grille. The proximity of BoJak’s to the campus has meant fewer college students go to Jefferson Street Pub.
“The college was my primary business,” Duckworth said.
She and Milligan both remember getting to know some students so well that they would drive them home when they had indulged a bit too much in the bar’s affordable drinks.
“We were like their moms,” Duckworth said.
Many patrons such as 2009 Franklin graduate Jacob Keeton said the atmosphere draws them in.
“It’s a nice change of pace for when you want to just have some drinks and a conversation without feeling like you have to dance,” he said.
Duckworth’s hopes are up, though. The owner and her staff have not been sitting idle while the world changed around them. With a new lunch menu and weekend meal specials, the establishment is trying to adapt.
“The changes we made in the food side of the business were in preparation for that smoking ban,” said Duckworth of the new facelift. With an ever-growing wine list and steaks on the menu, it is no wonder the place is seeing new faces in with the old.
“A lot of the seniors are coming back,” said Duckworth with a smile, “They still like to see us.”
