By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Cyndy Gumpert and her sons, Zack and Larry, whose nickname is “Skunk,” had always wanted to open a business, but could never really think of the right thing to open.
One night a few months ago, Gumpert and her sons sat down and really thought about a business which they could open in the Niles area which was needed.
After a bit of hard work, the purchasing of some audio equipment, a few gallons of paint and some furniture the family opened Skunk's Nest Music Venue &Lounge, located at 424 N. Second St., next to the Save-A-Lot grocery store.
The club is currently open on Friday and Saturday nights from 7 p.m. to midnight.
The family decided to call the club Skunk's Nest, because of it being Larry's nickname.
Gumpert said her sons and husband, Bill, were able to get the Skunk's Nest open so quickly with the help of friends and family.
“We haven't had a bit of trouble from the kids who have been coming to hang out here and listen to music on the weekends. We do have four rules which we ask everyone to follow when they are here. The first is no drinking, the second is no drugs, the third is no cigarettes and the fourth is no disrespect,” Gumpert said. “If we find anyone breaking the rules we will ask them to leave.”
The target audience of the club is those who are under the age of 21 and aren't able to go see bands play in a bar setting.
Gumpert said the biggest way kids are finding out about Skunk's Nest is by word of mouth.
Gumpert said they have received great support from the City of Niles as well as the Niles Police Department with the opening of their business.
To find out more about the Skunk's Nest check out their website at www.skunksnest.com.