This month’s NorthCap Business Highlight is Showtime Bar, located at 113 Rhode Island Ave. NW. Owner Paul Vivari opened Showtime in May 2013 to bring a traditional neighborhood tavern to Bloomingdale. Read on to learn more about Paul and one of our beloved local watering holes:
Tell us a little about your business. When were you founded and why?
Showtime opened in May 2013. I consider it to be a “traditional” neighborhood tavern because it’s a low-key, no-kitchen, affordable place to hang out with friends, the kind of place that used to be ubiquitous in most city neighborhoods.
Tell us a little about yourself and your life.
I worked as a bartender on 14th Street NW for several years getting a feel for the industry. I felt like the concept of a low-key bar was getting lost in the rapid, glitzy redevelopment of the city. When the Showtime space became available I thought it was the perfect size for what I was looking for.
What’s unique about Showtime?
People would probably say the fact that we’re still cash-only, but I think the creative aesthetic we’ve pursued is what makes us unique. Showtime has some unique features, from our soul jukebox to our special wallpaper to our all-vinyl DJs, things you won’t find in any other bar in the city.
What do you love about the neighborhood you serve?
Bloomingdale is such a supportive community, and we’ve been able to stick around this long thanks to our neighborhood regulars. We couldn’t do it without you.
How can the community support you right now?
Come hang out, have some cold beer, and listen to some great music. Our legendary house band Granny & The Boys played every Sunday at Showtime up until the pandemic hit. We’re hoping to bring them back by the end of the summer.
(images: Paul Vivari)
