A new entertainment business is making plans to open in the former Wabash Communications building at East Main and Washington in downtown Salem.
Brian and Brittany Pennypacker unveiled plans at the Salem City Council meeting Monday night for True Swing.
“Our mission statement is to provide a year-round golf experience using cutting edge simulator technology, offering golf enthusiasts of all skill levels comfort and a high-quality environment to play, practice, and socialize,” Brian Pennypacker said. “One of our unique features is a multi-sport simulator, where individuals can play golf, dodgeball, soccer, baseball, archery targets. You name it, it’s on there. Also, in-house, we’re going to have a pro shop club repair and club regripping service.”
Pennypacker says his goal is to have 500 customers at the end of the first year and said the business would target both young people and adults.
“Youth golf programs, we’re going to have summer instructors to sharpen up kids’ golf skills and their passion for the game. We’re going to reach out to the junior high and high school to try to do offseason simulator access for the local schools. We’re also going to put a gym-style 24/7 key fob access into the simulator area. So, you can join a membership, if you work second shift into 3 a.m. and you don’t want to go home and go to bed, you can swipe your fob at the door, come in and play golf any hours that you want.”
Pennypacker asked the council for a Class G Liquor license that would allow the sale of liquor provided more than 50-percent of their business is from entertainment. Brian Pennypacker said while liquor was a small part of their business plan, they felt they needed it to provide a similar atmosphere to the country club and could provide the extra revenue to make the business successful. He noted it would be at the back of the business that could be blocked off when not needed.
Odin Baptist Church Minister Roger Lipe asked the council to deny the liquor license because of the harm it could do to those in the community. Councilman Gerald Molenhour said he liked the plan but questioned the need for liquor. He voted against issuing the liquor license, with the rest of the council voting in favor.
Pennypacker says he will now proceed with purchase of the building. He notes many interior walls will need to be removed. Pennypacker’s goal is to open within six months. The business would have around five employees.
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