Goodwin hopes to duplicate success of Pittsfield’s Red Dome Inn by opening Frank’s Place at 10th and Hampshire

QUINCY — After spending many hours at The Red Dome Inn, his uncle’s establishment in Pittsfield, J.D. Goodwin always had in the back of his mind that he wanted to try running his own place.

“I loved that place. What awesome memories,” he said. “But yeah, there was just an opportunity.  It was on my bucket list. I wanted to take a stab at it. I’ve known people who have tried and succeeded and tried and failed.”

Goodwin recently decided to lease a building at 10^th and Hampshire, opening a bar called Frank’s Place. 

Named after his grandfather, Frank Goodwin, Goodwin hopes his little corner of the world will provide relaxation for those hoping to escape for a bit.

“Just a laid-back atmosphere,” Goodwin said. “The nurse or the bricklayer. Doesn’t matter what you do you. Just come in and have a drink, and everybody’s equal. Be comfortable.”

Goodwin’s grandfather died in 2002 after living for more than 90 years. Memories of his grandfather remain front and center. 

“He collected pocketknives,” Goodwin says. “Probably had over 300. Did a lot of knife sharpening and fishing at Pine Lakes (near Pittsfield). He had this probing stick in the ground, and it would electrocute the worms. We didn’t have to dig. They just come out. And we ate a lot of my grandma’s pie.”

Family has been a big part of his life. His son, Connor, will be there most days tending bar. Goodwin operates Great River Bus Lines with his father Dennis Goodwin.

Goodwin spent nearly a year renovating Frank’s Place, including ripping multiple layers of lathe, drywall and paneling to get to the original brick walls.

Frank’s Place eventually will feature karaoke, trivia and other themed nights.

The property, owned by Don Heck, has housed many bars over the years. When asked why he decided to give it a try, Goodwin replied with a chuckle.

“I have no idea,” he said. “I’m a glutton for punishment.”

Frank’s Place hours of operation are 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays.