by Terri Bahne

     Do you remember Bagdad Cafe? Ever hear of Liquid Therapy? Same location, cool new name, and a totally different atmosphere. And "different" is the optimal word because proprietors Patti and Mike Labriola are all about change.

     Former Floridians, the Labriolas decided to move "up North" because they and their children needed something different in their lives. Having been previously in the demolition business, as well as having experience running a bar the Labriolas were looking forward to the challenge when they purchased the old Bagdad Cafe.

     "We knew it was going to be a lot of work," stated Mrs. Labriola, adding that it took the two of them every free moment they had for six months prior to their Grand Opening on June 1 to clean, fix, reconstruct, improve, tear down, and put up their existing establishment.

     After the dust had settled (literally), the Labriolas had transformed what was previously a very rough atmosphere - in every sense of the word into a "family bar" (as per Mrs. Labriola).

     Okay, so "family bar" is a bit of an oxymoron, but one would truly have to see it for oneself to believe it.

     "A lot of people who come in here are shocked," stated Mrs. Labriola. "We are not a biker bar," added Mr. Labriola. Nor do they tolerate yelling, fighting or any other sort of rowdiness. And being the proprietors who have put so much hard work into sanding all the wood (some of which is Amish, uniquely with the bark left on), putting all new plumbing in, moving a wall, painting, changing the outdoor patio around, adding stained glass to a few of the windows, raising the floor in one spot (as well as putting new flooring in) and adding a cypress ceiling - to name a few of the improvements - you can understand the pride the Labriolas have in their business.

     But, pride is not the only quality Mr. and Mrs. Labriola possess. Along with determination - to make their business work, and to change the stigma of the bar's previous life the proprietors are also great cooks. Mr. Labriola went to culinary school to gain experience, but states that, "We do everything 50/50," referring to Mrs. Labriola. "She makes awesome soup," he added, Although the menu has typical "bar food" - fried this and that, with the prices being very competitive - the Labriolas are willing to work with anyone to change the menu for special events.

     What kind of special events? As the Labriolas are big on change, they have held children's birthday parties as well as union meetings at their establishment, serving up a variety of entrees. And there are very few dull moments available, as every Monday and Wednesday the Labriolas host a pool league.

     Monday nights are also reserved for euchre. Tuesdays are "Free Pool Nights" from 9 p.m. until close. Every Friday evening they have a band come in and play (they are currently booked up until January). And every Saturday night there is a pool tournament into which the Labriolas put $50 to start the pot out. If you're looking for a winter activity, Liquid Therapy was just put on the snowmobile trail.

     When asked of a downfall to their business, the Labriolas stated, "The NYS No Smoking Law." "That's our only problem," added Mr. Labriola.

     Since they opened in June, and the law was enacted in July, a decrease in business has been seen. Many patrons despise having to go outside to smoke, not even being able to stand under a canopy (as per the state's restrictions). Understanding their frustration, the Labriolas field questions from their patrons on an almost-daily basis to allow them to break the law with a "just-this-once, no-one-will-know" attitude. The Labriolas stand firm. As much as they also oppose the No Smoking Law, they think too much of the business they put their hearts and souls into to have it taken away by breaking it.

     For more information on Liquid Therapy, call the Labriolas at 532-0280.