Royalty Billiards now open in Potlatch

Mason County boosts a stunning array of outdoor recreation offerings. But what's there to do when the days get colder, wetter and darker?

Ashley and Travis Kemp created a new opportunity for indoor all-ages fun last week when they opened Royalty Billiards at 22090 U.S. Highway 101 in Potlatch, just north of the Mason PUD 1 headquarters.

"We understand the locals and they are bored," Travis said.

"We wanted a place where people can do things on a rainy day," Ashley said.

The couple had been operating a collectibles shop, Pickers Corner Northwest, at the site, but not enough customers stopped by.

The business will soon have four billiards tables, two of them seven feet, two nine feet. For $20, customers have open play for four hours. For an additional $10 an hour, they can have a room to themselves. The Kemps plan to expand into the other half of the building, which has been home to Richard Beckman Realty. They plan to add darts and hope to add a pro shop.

Pool usually is tied to businesses that serve alcohol, Travis said. But all ages are welcome at the new business. The couple has talked to the Hood Canal School District about teaming to create a junior league for kids. Royalty Billiards will also host events for adults.

The couple plans to host a Halloween bash, which will include food trucks.

The Kemps say the timing to introduce billiards is right. The sport might be added to the Olympic Games. "I think it's about to blossom," Travis said.

Travis is from Tacoma and Ashley from Enumclaw. Eleven years ago, Travis built a tiny home and moved off the grid north of the Hamma Hamma River. The couple met on a Facebook dating site.

"He got me out here in about three months," Ashley said.

But Ashley needed access to the internet to perform her job remotely for the insurance company Mutual of Enumclaw. That's when they rented an office space in the compound that sported the collectibles store and now their new business.