A group of locals are elevating the sport of billiards while taking their sense of family and infusing it into their new business, Red River Billiards, located in south Bossier City. 

“We want people to see this place for themselves,” said Toby Morvant, controller. “Don’t judge us without coming here first because you’re not going to see your average pool hall.”

The culmination of five years of planning and 18 months of construction, Red River Billiards is a nearly 18,000-square-foot facility decked out in a modern Southern style with polished concrete floors, exposed brick, and dark wood. Sponsored by industry leader Brunswick, Red River Billiards features 28 tournament-style tables and a pro shop.

Another unique asset is that the building houses the Looosiana Bistreaux restaurant, which offers a full menu, and Whisk Bakery, serving upscale desserts. It even has a separate bar, the Prohibition Bar, for libations. 

“We spared no expense with this place,” Morvant said. “We’re trying to overcome the stigma of an average pool hall. This is more of a nice, Southern/Cajun restaurant with pool tables.”

Since the opening in late July, Morvant said the community’s reaction has been “unbelievable” with the common theme being, “I didn’t know what to expect, but I sure didn’t expect this.” 

He added that the Bossier City administration was very accommodating in launching Red River Billiards and found them to be pro-business and pro-community.

“They really wanted to see development in south Bossier, and they’re the type of people who, if you have an idea, they would rather you talk to them first,” Morvant said. “Before we moved one strand of dirt, we laid it all out for them — architectural designs, proofs, everything — and they were floored.”

Having grown up with a pool table in the house, Morvant’s brother is a certified billiard instructor. He said his brother’s son, his godson, could never go play with his dad while growing up because all the billiard tables were at bars. 

Now, his godson is gifting Red River Billiards to his dad and changing the perception of pool in the process.

“My passion is making sure my godson is successful,” said Morvant. “I can remember, like yesterday, holding him in my arms, and now? I’m working for him. If he’s successful, then I’m successful.”

A second major factor in opening the pool hall is to elevate the sport of billiards back to where it belongs. The building was designed to overcome the main issues experienced by pool players — lack of room around the tables and people having to walk between tables — while being a space that is open to all ages. 

The keystone of their building is incorporating plenty of space between tables. Additionally, they prioritize players in the playing sections by having food tables separate from the billiards tables and servers walk the perimeter instead of between tables. 

“Once professional players come see this place, they are going to want to play here,” said Morvant. “We plan to start an in-house league and sponsor tournaments with several already scheduled from August through October.”

However, even if you’re not a billiards enthusiast, Red River Billiards offers up good food, cold brews, sweet treats, and the chance to relax in a unique atmosphere. 

“Just come see for yourself,” Morvant encouraged, “because I think you’ll be blown away.”

Location: 2090 Brookshire Arena Drive