News
Renovations Transform Former Chubby's Into "Fixx"
By Caitlin Stolzenthaler
AFTER A MONTH of renovations, the former Chubby's Waterside Cafe shows few traces of its old self.
The West Front Street spot, known for attracting an 18-21 year-old clientele, has been revamped as "Fixx," and is shaping up to be a higher-end nightspot aimed at the 21-and-up crowd. "It's a whole new feel," said longtime owner Mike Gilson.
The renovation, an effort between Gilson, brothers Charlie, George, and Taso Lyristis, the owners of The Bistro in Red Bank, and Milano Brothers Builders, Inc., of Shrewsbury, is an alternative to previous plans to demolish the location and put a new building in it's place. According to Gilson, those plans are not abandoned altogether, but have been put on the back burner due to the current economic climate.
Changes have been made from the inside out. Gone is the peeling, grayish exterior paint job of Chubby's, in favor of a calming blue; simple black lamps illiuminate a rectangular, subtly stylish black "Fixx" sign.
The front bar is backed by a blue wall with a print design, punctuated with tiled pillars. The "Fixx" sign, replicated in a larger format along the opposing wall in hollow letters, will be backlit at night. The back bar's walls have been painted a deep purple and 10 42-inch flat screen TVs are placed at intervals along the walls; a "VJ" booth and equipment has been installed for music videos to accompany songs playing simulltaneously on the TVs. New flooring has been installed throughout. A lounge-style VIP area is also being considered, said Gilson. The room's large window, facing the Navesink, will be updated and hopefully, according to Gilson, open out.
"Somewhere you can feel the fresh air and enjoy the view," said Gilson.
Gilson said Top 40 nights and Saturday 80s nights are on the schedule, as well as Sunday Latin nights. He is working on a happy-hour concept, complete with free buffet.
"Top shelf" drinks line the shelves. Skyy vodka has replaced a less expensive counterpart as the house vodka; Gilson assures that $2 draft beer specials are still in place and drinks are reasonably priced, and no cover charge is proposed for any night.
"We're probably the best prices in town," he said. "We don't want to take advantage of people, especially in these economic times."
The street-facing pool tables of Chubby's will be updated with blue, "Fixx" logo-emblazoned felt, and bathrooms have been treated to new flooring and countertops.
"A lot of work [was done] in a short period of time," said Gilson, crediting the builders.
Gilson said the renovation is expected to be complete early this fall. In the meantime, the bar is open for business.
"When it's all said and done, it's going to work. We've come a long way," he said.
