Feeling as visiting an old friend, I rolled into those familiar stomping grounds of old. There it was to greet me... The massive Copper Penny marquee, one of SE Portland's icons, proudly perched atop the legendary restaurant and night club of its namesake - has been there as long as I remember. Entering the restaurant, there he was, the man, a true legend sitting at his 'office' table. I know this table where I've met with him before on other occasions. This meeting was different than the promoter pitches I've given in the past. Today I came to talk to the man who brought the Copper Penny into our hearts and find out what The New Copper Penny is up to. Can we collectively bring that back?
His name is so well respected in this town but little is really known about Sakis Tzantarma, we all know him as Saki. I was extremely honored to spend the quality time getting to know this very noble figure.
It took some prodding but through conversation I
learned that he came to the US from his home country of Greece with only 5
Pennies in his pocket. Wow, I got goose bumps when he said that! I am sure many
don't know that, so I had to revisit it again. Yes, 5 Pennies. 47 years ago
Saki opened the first resturant in downtown Portland, The Copper Penny Supper
Club, then went on to Athens West featuring Greek entertainment. He opened this
location, The Copper Penny in 1973 while he owned and operated The Copper Penny II
downtown. He talked of some interesting experiences with the ebbs and flows of
owning, selling and keeping his businesses successful all these years. I asked
him what the secrets are to staying in business so long and I was intrigued by
his answers.
"We cooperate with
local law enforcement and obey the rules (OLCC)". Most importantly, Saki
loves this country who gave him the opportunity to be a successful business man
and provide his family a solid future. I could see the conviction in his
eyes and hear it when he spoke, "Give back and share what you have"
was the strong message I received. A longtime member of the Restaurant
Association, Saki is very involved and hosts several charity fundraisers every
year. He and his associates are also very loyal to the community, the The Boys
and Girls Club and Doernbecher Children's hospital, participating with these
and other local organizations to help those who need it.
Providing a safe
environment for patrons is always a priority. A dress policy is in place,
security check at the door, regular patrols with local law enforcement driving
through or stopping in to check the crowd, 42 cameras monitor every corner of
the entire premises as well as house security inside and outside. "We
always take care to make sure the ladies are always safe" this I know, I
was escorted by one of their security to my car during a recent night out
myself. While talking I learned that 'back in the day' Saki was a professional
prized boxer, something that he doesn't talk about everyday but said it was
helpful back in the early days of The Penny when people got out of hand. Today
customers will not be over served while others will not be allowed in the door
if visibly intoxicated, a good policy in my book.
Getting back to the
music..
I was delighted watching his eyes glisten when we touched upon the live music and the rockin’ days of the eighties. Saki remembers the first live rock band he booked, The Ghost Riders and then a country style band. We talked about the top notch bands of the time Sequel, Bad Karma, No Ties and Mirror, Mirror. Let's bring it back! We talked about what is NEW with The New Copper Penny.
Saki brought up an important point, the club and musicians need to build a partnership working together to create a lively entertainment scene for the masses. Bringing Tommy Von Shillereff on board to manage the Summer music lineup has created a small army of supporters working hard to do just that!
I was delighted watching his eyes glisten when we touched upon the live music and the rockin’ days of the eighties. Saki remembers the first live rock band he booked, The Ghost Riders and then a country style band. We talked about the top notch bands of the time Sequel, Bad Karma, No Ties and Mirror, Mirror. Let's bring it back! We talked about what is NEW with The New Copper Penny.
 |
| Saki and Tommy Von Shillereff |
Saki brought up an important point, the club and musicians need to build a partnership working together to create a lively entertainment scene for the masses. Bringing Tommy Von Shillereff on board to manage the Summer music lineup has created a small army of supporters working hard to do just that!
 |
| Saki and The Xperience Tribute To Jimi Hendrix Band |
The Summer of Rock At The New Copper Penny
** BRING YOUR FRIDAY
PARTY TO THE PENNY** The New Copper Penny is going off the hook with Friday
Night Rock! If you're a band scheduled to play an upcoming show - come support
the other bands & they will be there for you!! If you're a music fan of any
type - come get you some! The Talent is seriously incredible!! Tommy Von Shillereff has an
amazing sound system/light rig setup and is top notch when it comes to running
a show.
EVENT
SCHEDULE:
FRIDAYS - DOORS OPEN AT 8pm
FRIDAYS - DOORS OPEN AT 8pm
6/22 Wikid Sin
6/29 THE XPERIENCE(Tribute to Jimi Hendrix) & BUDDY HINTON BAND!
7/6 DR. STAHL Rock!
7/13 METAL CITY &
GUEST metal (duh)
7/20 CRAZY TRAIN
(Tribute to Ozzy)
7/27 R.A.R + special
guest AMERICAN BASTARD
8/10 ANGEL STEEL (Female Fronted Metal)
The restaurant is open
for lunch and dinner offering a variety of foods from Greek and Mediterranean
to traditional American including steaks. Many long time regulars can be seen dining daily. Smells from the kitchen offer old world sense of yum.
The Pantheon Banquet Hall is an enormous sparkling room available for special occasion events and seats aprox 450 people. The room is beautifully decorated with white tablecloths, gorgeous chandeliers, stage riser and gazebo.
5932 SE 92nd Ave,
Portland, Oregon 97266
Mon - Sun: 11:00am -
2:30am
The Xperience Jimi Hendrix tribute band on June 29th was a great show. I hope that $8 cover is every week. I might go again to see some of these other tribute bands if it's only $8 cover...Ozzy, Judas, Scorps.
ReplyDelete