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Owner of longtime Simsbury venue Hoops & Hops closes bar after 34 years, plans speakeasy called The Hideaway
Summary
Steve Antonio, proprietor of Antonio’s, said Hoops & Hops closed after a 34-year run and will reopen as 'The Hideaway,' a speakeasy-style concept with espresso and nitro coffee, mocktails and live music; Antonio cited falling liquor sales and changing customer habits as reasons for the change.
Wendy Maxiudas, a member of the town selectmen and host of the local program, interviewed Steve Antonio about the closing of Hoops & Hops and his plans for a new venue called The Hideaway.
Antonio recounted his family’s restaurant history in Simsbury: “We opened up Antonio's in June 1964, and we've been here ever since.” He said Hoops & Hops evolved from a party room the family added to the restaurant and formally opened as a sports bar in 1993 to meet changing demand.
The venue later pivoted toward live music. Antonio said the bar began booking solo acoustic acts in 1994, added duos in 1995 and then electric bands, becoming a regional stop between New York and Boston for touring acts. He named acts and…
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