GASSAWAY, W.Va. (WCHS) — They say you can’t go home again, but Nicholas Carson, of Gassaway is the exception to that rule.
Carson was playing pool at the local bowling alley in nearby Flatwoods when a couple of visiting professional pool players took notice of his natural skill.
“I got found by a couple of very good pool players,” Carson said. “They were kind enough to take me under their wing, travel with me, and teach me how to play competitively.”
After several years of playing in professional events, Carson returned to Braxton County and opened Bricks Billiards in his hometown of Gassaway.
Opened in 2023, the pool hall’s name has a unique and unfortunate origin.
“One of the people who got me into playing pool was Brian James,” Carson explained. “With my name being Nick, we were going to open a pool hall together. He unfortunately passed away a few years back. Brian and Nick, we came up with Bricks. We went ahead and kept the name.”
Carson’s good friend Brian is honored with a large portrait beside a pool table that belonged to James.
Pool halls historically bring to mind smoke-filled rooms, along with beer and gambling. Carson didn’t want his place associated with any of that.
He feels a deep responsibility to his hometown and the people who helped him along the way.
“We don’t have much to offer in Gassaway,” Carson said. “I really focused in on the kids, so there’s no alcohol and no gambling machines, I figured it was something I could bring to Gassaway.”
Carson has created a junior team that represents Bricks Billiards in competitions, and he teaches them twice a week.
“I do enjoy doing it,” he said. “I feel that I’m obligated to pay it forward for all the people that put in a lot of effort teaching me how to play.”
Everyone is welcome at Bricks Billiards, beginner, intermediate and advanced players.
They’ll provide everything you need to play and the prices are very reasonable. Drinks and snacks are currently available, but eventually Carson wants to add food and more tables.
Bricks Billiards is located at 521 Elk Street in Gassaway. Hours are Monday and Wednesday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Saturday 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., The pool hall is closed on Sundays.
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