Jamestown’s Gem Offers Unique Experiences to all who Visit
By Darlene Mae O’Connor
Marty Schwab is The Beer Snob and he has been working every angle to bring back the luster of the imaginative entertainment that once gave fame to our city in the hills. Marty is a Jamestown native who is seriously driven to offer a unique experience for his patrons with each visit. From his innovative menu and ever-changing and intriguing fresh pours of Brews and Sours to the list of IPA’s and Wines, he can keep our taste buds guessing. With the much-anticipated opening of his Live Entertainment Venue, Marty has all the bases covered! I can confirm that the ‘Snob’ is never the same place twice because I had to really chase this illusive character down. Four visits, four different pours, a few giant pretzels and one promise in front of the mayor later, and I was finally able to sit down with Mr. Schwab.
A man possessing that rare behind the scenes personality, when I asked Marty for a quote that would express the impetus for this grand undertaking of his he responded, “To truly live a full life, is to try new things”. He elaborated, “I firmly believe this, but I also understand that not everyone has the opportunities to travel and work with diverse people and personalities, so I am going to bring the best of the elements of my experiences to them”. Through his involvement with large touring bands, major performance venues nationwide and in addition to years of restaurant and club operations in Tampa and north Florida, as well as his previous establishment ‘The Crooked Eye”, in Erie P. A., Marty has been afforded experiences to spare. He has always considered Jamestown home and had been ready to return. When he purchased the historical Vikings building, his quest was to bring to Jamestown premium, one-of-a kind, quality experiences. It has been very exciting, though not always easy; I can assure you he is doing just that in more ways than one.
My first visit to the Beer Snob was the first sunny weekend we could ride around the lake with the top down. I had been eager to check it out since coming home last summer and this was a perfect way to “tap” off our day. I did not know what to expect and not a beer girl by nature, I was skeptical. Having tried to like beer over the years with very little success, I decided to describe to the bartender my preference for a light wheat with a fruity taste and my distaste for malts and dark brews, {they make me very unhoppy}, I was pleasantly surprised when I had days Brew # 24. I firmly believe if there is a palatable brew for you, you can find it at the Beer Snob.
The Beer Snob hosted the Live Q and a Marijuana Expose, and just this past Saturday, he kicked off the upcoming season of live entertainment with “The Audience” and “Fever Hawk” laying down the jams and the patrons kicking up their heels. An exciting guest performance by ‘Zeke’ made the crowd go wild and between the beats and the vibe I felt 23 again. Fun was had by all and the creative spirit so ingrained here came alive.
Another believer in spreading the wealth of opportunity to others, Marty has adorned the walls of the Snob with works by local artists. Not least of his promotion of local talents, the two bands that performed Saturday night are comprised, in large part, of his own bartenders, all of whom are also first-rate personalities. I know this is due to the several visits I made in trying to catch up with this humble, humorous and hope-inspiring human being.
Marty sees the writing on the wall and the message is good. New opportunities like the grow industry, technology, tourism and working together is the way to revitalization and long-term success!