Editor’s Note: ALBB’s interest in the relocation of The Vinyl Room from where it started at it’s Beacon location in the now new-ish building on Eliza Street, to where it moved to in the old Nichols Hardware building at 396 Main Street, which then became Tourmaline Home, stems from ALBB’s own interest in buying that building when we decided to leave our former office on Main Street. Having been in the space with our own dreams, we were curious as to how The Vinyl Room indulged in theirs. Writer Kat Merry wrote this piece for us.
By: Kat Merry
When John Kihlmire conceptualized The Vinyl Room (TVR) back in 2017, he was trailblazing a path with a distinctive blend of a craft beer bar and record store.
His idea was kindled during a trip to Colorado where he stumbled upon a quirky shop oozing charm with an abundance of books and records. Yet, something was conspicuously missing — there was no trace of alcohol. This gave rise to his illuminating thought: "What's missing here is beer!" Armed with this inspired vision, John returned to NY, his mind set on weaving this dream into an exhilarating, vibrant reality.
After achieving initial success in Wappinger, John relocated TVR to Beacon, magnetized by its vibrant pulse. Despite the first Beacon location being a short hop from Main Street and the concept being a hit, John felt the fit was slightly askew.
"With our loyal customer base and decent foot traffic, the place had potential," John explains. "But our landlord's constraints were stifling. We needed a space where we could extend our hours and tap into the nightlife potential." And so, he began scouting for a new location that could nurture his expanding vision.
The opportunity knocked in 2021 when an irresistible address on Main Street came up. "The space was beyond amazing—I jumped on it!" John recalls.
Now, The Vinyl Room is proudly located at 396 Main Street, boasting ample square footage. But with more space comes greater responsibility. "Adding a full kitchen and extending operating hours meant I needed a partner," John admits.
This is where Kane Licari enters the picture. John's childhood friend and a long-time night RN, Kane was ready for a new chapter. Joining John in this venture, he is now breathing fresh life into the business.
"I was nearing burnout in nursing and John's opportunity appeared at the perfect time," Kane reveals.
Their friendship, originating from days of peewee baseball at Brinkerhoff Elementary, adds a heartfelt note to the business's evolution. "Our friendship has traversed a lifetime," reflects John. "We transitioned from sharing the baseball field as kids to steering this venture as partners—it's a remarkable full-circle moment."
TVR's new venue now accommodates a full kitchen serving an enticing array of small plates, flatbreads, charcuterie, and handhelds. In the beginning, they had guidance from Chef Adam Sternberg, of The Hog in Wappingers Falls, run by Adam and his wife, who are there every day providing the food Adam is known for. Says Adam: “All the credit for TVR’s menu goes to Chef Greg Demichiel. He’s rocking it.”
Beyond food and beer, John envisages a wider appeal. "We're installing arcade games for patrons to enjoy alongside their food and drinks," he enthuses.
True to its roots, TVR will continue to celebrate the art of turntables, enriched by a lively DJ nightlife. "Owning a DJ business was the precursor to The Vinyl Room," John reminisces. Though his DJ venture thrived, The Vinyl Room will allow him to be more creative and feels more like a passion project than work.
With expansion comes challenges, especially in curating a robust and reliable team of contractors. Both Kane and John have been hands-on, lending their personal touch to the construction and aesthetic.
An exciting addition is the 'Velvet Room'— a cozy, reservation-only alcove marked by a red velvet curtain at the back of the bar. "It's an intimate haven for small groups or romantic dates," John reveals.
"We’ve had a loyal following since 2017, and now being able to expand and fully actualize our original concept is incredibly exciting,” John remarks. "I finally feel like I can spread my wings."
John and Kane's vision celebrates a friendship that spans decades and despite their differences– notably, Kane being a devoted Yankee fan and John, a loyal Cubs supporter– they share an enduring spirit to innovate.
John is all set to leverage his connections and experience in the music industry, featuring talented DJs who will keep the music playing into the early hours. Thankfully, the late-night responsibilities will rest with Kane.
"I am definitely a morning person," laughs John. Kane, nodding in agreement, adds, "And I'm the night owl. My years of working night shifts in nursing have prepared me for this!"
As they gear up to electrify Main Street with The Vinyl Room’s latest makeover, John and Kane are clear—it's more than a business. It's a testament to their enduring friendship and shared dreams, all set to the beat of their favorite vinyl tracks. So, get ready, Beacon—the Vinyl Room is about to drop the needle on a whole new experience.
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