Hippo’s Billiards Beyond Repair After Massive Flood, Conte Family Won’t Re-Open

After 30 years in business the Conte family has had enough. The doors to Hippo's Billiards on Commercial Drive in Yorkville won't re-open after the latest flood.

One of the top places to play pool in central New York since 1989 was among the many businesses underwater after the massive flooding. "For many years, my father attempted to address the significant flooding issues in that area with local government, to no avail," Erin Conte shared on Facebook.

The Conte's have dealt with flooding in the past. Each time they family has cleaned up, dried out and re-opened. But this time was the last time. "Five months ago, my family happily reopened the doors, a 30-year family business, created and run on a lot of love, blood, sweat, and tears," said Erin. "Unfortunately, the storm has left us beyond repair. That's it for the Conte Family."

The loss of another decades old, local business has left the community saddened. "This is such a shame," shared Marissa Marie Carollo. "Photos of my grandfather and fellow billiards players fill the walls of this place. I’m saddened by this."

John Adamo was at Hippo's every weekend. "Vic Conte was so nice," he wrote. "It saddens me."