Lyons club up for auction
By Donna Comella
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Tom Jones opened its doors in 1969. It has been closed now since the beginning of January. The Lyons property will be auctioned on Saturday, February 3 at 10 a.m.

Auctioneer Bernie Brzostek of Phoenix, NY said this week that he thinks it 'highly unlikely' that the building will be purchased by anyone who wants to keep it as a bar/restaurant. If that's the case, then the contents will be auctioned separately - contents that include everything from a dishwasher to arcade games and a disco ball. Brzostek said he just wants the sellers to do well and that he'll 'do whatever brings them the most money.'

The bar was built on Old Clyde Rd. in Lyons by Leonard Cipriano. He had opened Len's Drive-In across the street in 1966. Len's quickly became a favorite spot, especially with teens. It was in close proximity to the high school, and kids were not discouraged from just 'hanging out.' Cipriano held street dances in his parking lot and, when the property across the street became available, he took business up a notch for the 18 and over crowd.

Tom Jones began as a rustic-styled pub, complete with barrels of draft beer and peanut shells on the floor. In 1969, Cipriano served simple fare that included such menu items as roast beef sandwiches, pizza and baked bean sandwiches for 25 cents. In years to come, he would try to keep up with trends. He expanded the menu, built a stage and installed a lighted dance floor. When 'Urban Cowboy' became the rage, he even added a mechanical bull.

Some of the country's best musicians played at Tom Jones in its heyday. People would pack the dance floor and listen to the likes of such people as Lou Gramm or Rick Derringer.

Cipriano and his family have kept the place running, but it has not been the place it once was. At an assessed value of over $100,000, Brzostek says bidding will start at one dollar. The building is approximately 10,000 square feet and sits on nearly an acre of land just off Route 14.

There will be an Open House today (Saturday, January 27), from 10 to Noon, and one hour before the February 3 auction. Photos of the building and its contents can be seen at

www.brzostek.com

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