A former DJ at the now-closed “Dogg” is trying to give Castleton State College students an alternative spot to come hear him spin his tunes, maybe play some pool, eat some wings and sing karaoke. 

Scott Reed, owner of Happy Daze in Granville N.Y., is hoping his pub will be the new Thursday night hotspot for students who used to flock to the Bomoseen Inn, aka “The Dogg,” a popular hangout among college students for decades until its recent closure. 

“I had a lot of fun DJ-ing at “The Dogg” and I feel bad for the college kids because it isn’t going to be there,” he said when asked about his effort to lure CSC students to Granville.

And with a sheepish shrug of his shoulders he went on to say, “And to make money, I’m not gonna lie.”

Just like “The Dogg”, Happy Daze will have college night every Thursday night starting at 10 p.m. while college is in session. The cover charge is $2 for 21 and over, $5 for 18- to 20-year-olds.

“You must have proper ID, no ID no entrance,” Reed emphasized.

Reed has two pool tables, foosball, is going to have shot specials and $1 Busch drafts, and a full pub menu, to draw in the crowds.

But is this enough to entice students to go?

“I would do karaoke, even if I sing poorly,” said Jimmy Britt, a freshman at CSC.

Catlin Ryan, also a freshman, said “I would definitely try it once and maybe go back.”

And for those who were regulars of “The Dogg,” seeing some familiar faces could make the trip worthwhile. Josh Munger, Will Czok, and Ashley Danyou all worked at “The Dogg” along with Reed and are now at Happy Daze.

One issue Reed might face is the long drive and challenges for the college’s Safe Ride program.

“Because we are a Vermont college and for insurance reasons, we can’t cross state borders,” said Alex Davis, an organizer for Castleton’s Safe Ride

But Safe Ride would be able to have a pick up at the Vermont-New York border, which is about a 15-minute drive from the bar, he said.

Others mentioned that designated drivers might work too.

 “With it being 18 and up, this helps with the designated drivers and getting people home safely,” said Zach Currier, a junior at CSC and one of the bouncers at Happy Daze. “This is a good opportunity for a good time at a safe place.”

Will Czok, a 2010 graduate from CSC was a regular at “The Dogg” and was also a bouncer-bartender there. He fondly recalled Thursday nights at the pub.

“It was a dirt hole, but it was my dirt hole, it was fun and ever since it closed there’s nothing to do,” he said.