Romulus raising the bar at Depalma’s
PLYMOUTH — Romulus Depalma has launched his gradual opening of Depalma’s bar at the new location in downtown Plymouth.
His goal is to promote a higher standard for an adult beverage establishment; focusing on human connectivity, a sense of humor enhanced with occasional sarcasm, and a culture of respect for the restaurant and each other; staff and patrons.
Depalma has combined his two decades of professional experience in construction and manufacturing, restaurant management and customer service. He loves interacting with people.
“People feel special when you get
to know them and remember who they are.” His servers are trained to treat each patron with equal respect; regardless of their social status, profession and how much they spend. Rather than focus on a profit margin per drink, Depalma is committed to a “people approach”.
Working at Wings Etc. gave Depalma experience working in a fast paced, high volume environment. He innovated methods of production and customer service to enhance flow; which he carried over to his personal business.
He wants to provide affordable beverages complimented by free entertainment including music, darts, and foosball. There will be no cover charge for musicians providing live music. With that approach, he hopes people will enjoy their time at his establishment and recommend patronage to their friends.
Depalma has a “zero tolerance” policy for fighting. He served as a bouncer at the Dandelion for several years. “I know what people fight about and I won’t allow it. I have barred several people. When I bar you; you are barred forever.” He said, “If you are a jerk today, I think you are going to be a jerk tomorrow.”
He is against driving while intoxicated. “I won’t let you drive.” He has already connected with the driver at night for Taxi Express to be sure people will get home safely. “I would rather you not risk it.”
He does not promote drinking to that point of intoxication. Depalma and his servers monitor those signals as best they can; but he said that it is different for each person. “It can creep up on you.” Once they determine someone has had enough; they will not be served more.
Depalma takes pride that he was voted class clown in high school and carries that humor into the decoration and energy of his establishment.
He coached Bremen High School football for years and has dedicated a corner of his bar to Lions highlights; despite being located in “Rocky” country. “I coached football for fifteen (15) years. Well, actually, my first coaching job was here. So Plymouth gets one trophy; see their participation award in the middle?” he laughed as he pointed to the Plymouth trophy surrounded by Bremen Lions trophies, newspaper clippings, letterman jacket and a variety of other memorabilia.
Depalma is committed to upholding a safe environment. “I don’t like the stigma. I want to change the standard.”
“Rudy” Quezada, Depalma’s landlord, is also the man behind the menu. The business belongs to Depalma, but the kitchen is Quezada territory. The two men collaborate together to co-create speciality sandwiches and tacos. The menu is still being finalized.
Quezada has familial connection to Yolanda’s and Fiesta Tapatia Mexican Grill in Mishawaka, which contributes to his culinary expertise. “Rudy has been absolutely great.”
Depalma was thankful to A & M Construction for providing aluminum material which he utilized as the well. He has gotten creative using resources to renovate and decorate the establishment.
He expressed gratitude to his family for their critical support and his patrons for their loyalty. “I could not believe the amount of support.”
Depalma had several hurdles to overcome during the transition from the former location; including paperwork, reconstruction on the new building, the loss of his mother, and the challenges that the pandemic restrictions placed on all restaurants and businesses. “I have been fortunate and very blessed. They’ve been patient. It really humbles me that these folks have waited an entire year.”
Hours will be expanded gradually as the transition continues. Hours can be found on Facebook @ Depalma’s Bar.