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A school principal hopes to open the business on December 1. If it happens, it could be the first business of its kind to open in the city.
WORCESTER – A longtime school principal is on the verge of starting something that she believes has never been done before in Worcester.
Doreen Albert, the principal at Our Lady of the Angels School in Worcester for the past 21 years, plans to open a new business called Tee Up Taproom.
The concept is indoor golf simulation, perfect for those cold winter months when it’s almost impossible to hit the outdoor links in New England.
Thursday, the License Commission awarded Albert food, alcohol and entertainment licenses.
“An impressive operation you’re planning,” said commission member Barbara Haller. “It’s groundbreaking for Worcester. I wish you all the luck.”
More work with the city is needed before the business opens its doors.
“I’m nervously excited. I want the business to take off,” said Albert, who hopes to open Dec. 1.
Besides five simulation areas, Tee Up Taproom will offer separate simulated areas for a practice range and putting, along with a bar that serves wine and beer.
Customers will pay $40 hourly to take simulated swings.
Located in 9,000 square feet of warehouse space at 70 James St., Albert plans to hire at least five employees. Her husband, Todd, will help run the place.
The idea to open the business grew from Todd’s need to travel outside Worcester to find an indoor golf simulator. There’s one in Westborough and another in Maine, where the Alberts’ son lives.
Also, Albert got hooked on golf after her kids bought her a set of clubs.
Finally, the family decided it was time to own a golf simulation business of their own.
“A spark turned into a dream, that turned into a ‘Can we do this?’ ” Now, we’re going to give it a go,” Albert said.
When asked how much of her own money she’s pumped into the business, Albert declined to give a number.
“I’m nervous about it,” Albert said. “We did our homework, made sure to support what the business needs. It’s an investment. We’re hoping it pays off.”
No stranger to owning a business, Albert opened S and S Masonry and Snow Management for Todd, who works as a stonemason. That business is also located in Worcester, and according to Albert, it has “taken off.”
So how does a busy school principal also have time to manage the books of a masonry business and run a golf simulation operation?
It’s all about time management, a skill Albert developed in her 21 years as principal at a elementary parochial school for boys and girls.
“I wear all hats in the (school) building,” Albert said with a chuckle.
Contact Henry Schwan at henry.schwan@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @henrytelegram
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