Shim’s Surplus Supplies Is Not What You Think

Shim’s Surplus Supplies isn’t what its name implies. What looks like an army surplus store from the outside, is actually a modern day speakeasy inside.

The owners of Brewer’s Cabinet, Ole Bridge Pub, and Sierra Tap House in Reno opened a new venue for people to enjoy.

It’s called Shim’s Surplus Supplies, and isn’t what its name implies. What looks like an army surplus store from the outside, is actually a modern day speakeasy inside.

You can find the venue just off an alley in downtown on 125 West 3rd Street. That is just west of Sierra street. The entrance of the speakeasy isn’t the door that faces the street, to find the hidden gem you’d have to go in through the back door that says “Shim’s Deliveries Only.” Once you walk through the door, a dimly lit hall, and open a  black curtain, you’re taken back in time.

The co-owner of Shim’s said, “What we’re trying to capture is like a vintage throwback to the prohibition era, when alcohol was first prohibited. We have a full bar. We have craft cocktails, we have local craft beer, and live music.”

The term speakeasy originally referred to the illicit drinking houses during the Prohibition-era (1920-1933) in the United States. At the time, it was illegal to sell and consume alcohol, so people started serving alcohol behind closed doors in discreet locations usually only known to a select few.

To mirror this concept, there wasn’t a lot of advertising done before the place was open. The owner said there weren’t any social media blasts, and there wasn’t a grand opening.

“It was supposed to be a word of mouth kind of original way of pushing things out.” Cage said trying to explain his business strategy. “If I don’t say it myself, but it still gets said, then that’s a successful approach to opening this up to the public.”

Many patrons of this bar appreciate the unique environment. Peter Schrady said, “it’s old timey. You know, the bartender’s in a 20’s outfit and it’s a really cool ambiance.

The building itself has some history of its own. Next year it will turn 100-years-old. Cage said even housed a store in the 50’s or 60’s. The bar owners kept the name Shim’s Surplus Supplies to keep that but of history. Cage said there was also a bar in the building about 30 years ago. The new owners stripped the building, and put brick, marble, cherry, brass, and refurnished the place.

“We’re trying to move forward with presenting the best version of this building,” Cage said.

source;https://www.ktvn.com