Big Daddy’s – New Face in Maryland

Throughout the United States, many poolrooms reluctantly have been closing their doors for various reasons – smoking bans, economy, etc. The same can be said in the state of Maryland, but one door has recently opened wide for one Maryland establishment – Big Daddy's Billiards located at 7954 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd, Suite #2-G in Glen Burnie, MD.

Owned by Richard and Cynthia Molineiro, the room opened January 5, 2007, and continues to receive rave reviews from those in the area as one of the few true “pool hall” atmospheres left to frequent. Not only do the patron numbers continue to grow by leaps and bounds, but soon, the room itself will as well in actual square footage.

The room itself has a unique story behind its inception. Although the idea of opening a room was always on the mind of the Molineiro's, it took a bitter sweet push to open the doors. Cynthia Molineiro's father was a big part of both of their lives. Richard actually ended up giving his father-in-law the name Big Daddy one evening after he received an overly ambitious hug by this gentle giant of a man, and the name stuck from then forward. But after a tragic and fatal accident in 2005, Big Daddy gave the Molineiro's a gift they had never anticipated, the opportunity to pursue their dream of owning their own pool room. As you know, money cannot bring back a loved one, but the room is a beautiful reminder that Big Daddy lives on in their hearts as it was dedicated to him by the offering of the name and to this day, a picture of this loving man hangs on their wall watching over the place.

Currently, Big Daddy's offers four Brunswick Gold Crown nine foot tables, eight Diamond nine foot professional tables and two seven foot Diamond Pro-Ams. In July, Big Daddy's will add an additional six tables including one full size 6x12 Snooker table, one full size 5x10 “heated” three cushion table, three nine foot Brunswick Gold Crown III's, and last but not least, one more seven foot Diamond Pro-Am.

If you have not made it into Big Daddy's, you are surely missing out. In addition to lessons, cue repairs, billiard supplies and tables for sale, a snack bar, and a great social environment, the venue hosts approximately twenty-six APA teams throughout the week; a 14.1 Straight Pool in-house league two nights a week; a nine-ball tournament on Tuesday night and Saturday afternoon; and soon, an eight and nine ball in-house league on Tuesday/Wednesday.

As if that was not enough to wet your whistle, Big Daddy's has plans to stimulate the tournament trail in the area with not only regional events, but specialty events such as an already scheduled $100 added (with sixteen players) women's only nine ball tournament on June 27th at 7 pm. Following shortly behind, the first professional caliber tournament, the Maryland qualifier for the World 14.1 Straight Pool Championship which will be held at this very location on July 12th-13th.

Local enthusiasts will have a chance to watch the best players in the world compete for their chance at a qualifying spot in the championships at the New Jersey Hilton in East Brunswick August 2008 (*note: for those of you planning to participate, the $100 entry deadline is quickly approaching, any entries received after June 20th will need to include a $50 late fee - all entries should be made payable/mailed to Tournament Director Peter Burrows at 207 Meadow Gate Drive, Annapolis, Maryland 21409).

So, as you can see, whether you are traveling through the area or are a Maryland resident, your poolroom options just got a bit broader. Stop in and say hello to Rick and Cindy, and meet a few new friends while you're at it.

For more information on this venue or upcoming events, contact The Molineiro's directly at (410) 760-1332, email bigdaddysbilliards@verizon.net , or visit their website at www.bigdaddysbilliards.net