Rockin' Slots will open next month

ROCK FALLS – The owner of the city's newest video gambling parlor wants it to look like Vegas, but without the noise.

Brian Snow, owner of Snow's Cabinetry & Millwork in Sterling, plans to open Rockin' Slots sometime next month. Snow, also a Ward 2 alderman, has owned the 411 W. First St. property for 5 years, using it as an auction house until late last year.

"The auction house didn't work well in that building, so to rationalize owning the building, we had to figure out how to generate revenue there," Snow said.

Snow is adamant about certain elements of the new business, while he is content to let other features evolve from client input. Snow's business partners are his wife, Carrie, who will be the bar manager, and friend Scott Moulis.

"All three of us will run it for a while to get a feel for what the clients want, and then we'll hire people," Snow said. "We want to be in touch as business owners and build relationships with our clientele."

There will be a full-service bar with beer, wine and hard liquor. A kitchen won't be put in right away, but Butch's Pizza will be available for those who are feeling too lucky to leave for food.

Rockin' Slots will use only a small portion of the 4,800-square-foot building, but Snow has ideas for future expansion.

"It's a nice little 800-square-foot quiet place for gamblers who don't want the noise of a traditional bar environment," Snow said.

An empty back room could eventually become a grill area, but the owners don't really want to be in the restaurant business. The gravel parking lot will be paved soon, and some of the green space will be used for a smokers' gazebo.

Snow said he has done the renovations on a shoestring budget, made possible by his skills as a craftsman.

"I've done everything over the last 5 months – built the cabinetry, bar and molding, and done the drywall, flooring, and painting," Snow said. "It's been a lot of sweat equity."

The bar and elegant cherry-dyed oak cabinetry have become a showcase for his primary business. Snow said he has had several requests for him to build bars elsewhere after seeing his work at Rockin' Slots.

A new facade that carries the Vegas theme outdoors will be done in the next few months. The decor also will include a very personal touch.

"I'm a drummer, and music is my passion," he said. "I'm going to put a lot of rock memorabilia in here."

There are 63 video gambling machines in Rock Falls, plus the five that will be in Rockin' Slots. Snow said he isn't worried about market saturation.

"The numbers are still growing, and with the hotel coming, that adds to my demographic," Snow said. "I'm going to cater to the young and the elderly, but I'm not after the bar element."

Snow said he is a staunch opponent of drinking and driving, so he is going the extra mile to ensure safety.

"I'm working with a local cab company to offer free cab rides to and from the business," Snow said. "I'm really hoping that the idea catches on, and other places use it."

Snow said the idea was popular with his insurance company, saving him 10 percent on his premium.

Tentative hours

Rockin' Slots, 411 W. First St. in Rock Falls, will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, although hours could change depending on how busy it is.