Mar 09, 2016


Anyone who has met Rick Law knows that he is a pretty sociable guy. This is likely what inspired his newly-launched Godfrey Social Club, the coffee shop and gas bar that he owns and operates in Godfrey. The establishment held its official grand opening on March 5 and Law hopes to see it become a popular gathering spot for locals who like to meet and greet and enjoy a beverage.

Law bought the historic building and property in April 2013. He has 35 years under his belt working as an auto-body mechanic, which he continues to do in his present location. His creativity shows in the painting aspect of his work, and he especially enjoys restoring collectible cars.

The retro-inspired coffee shop fronts onto the Westport Road at Road 38. It was unofficially open last summer and in recent months, Law has been working to expand it. The property now has a high-test gas bar (with regular gas coming soon) and inside, there are tables and chairs, comfy couches and loungers where guests can enjoy satellite TV, Wi-Fi internet access, and play vinyl records to boot. There are retro popcorn and candy machines and the space is bright and friendly, made more so by a wide array of 1940s and 50s collectibles that include antique signs, a variety of hanging car/motorcycle parts, and one old chopper in the corner painted with an old A&W sign.

“I want people to come by, fill up with gas and come in, sit down and relax, enjoy a coffee, tea, hot chocolate, pop, or ice cream (in the summer months). If they just want a place to work on their screened devices or to meet up with friends, I want this to be a place that they think of.”

Law is busy most days working in his body shop, so he has enlisted the help of his daughter, Stephanie, who hails from Windsor and who will be working in the coffee shop. Law said that he also hopes to be able to employ a few summer students when the fairer weather arrives and the local traffic picks up.

He admits to having lived a pretty rough life in the past, but said that despite that fact, he has been warmly welcomed into the community. “This community has really accepted me for who I am; I really enjoying being here and I just love this place. Seeing people enjoy the place as much as I do is great and the idea is not so much about making a ton of money - I know that I'm not going to make a million dollars here - but more about making people happy and seeing people get excited by what they see here”.

Another draw to the shop is Law’s gorgeous husky, a dog named Skydancer that he rescued, which he brought out to meet with the guests at the opening. Law has a number of ideas up his sleeve for the future of the shop and hopes to hold movie nights and other special events. “I want people to tell me what they are interested in, and if I can swing it I definitely will try.”

Another project he mentioned is to build a rat rod to have on display for guests. Law said he also hopes to also put in a second sink so that, in the future, he will be able to serve an assortment of snacks as well.

The shop and gas bar will be open from 7am – 7pm and in the summer from 7am - 11pm. The Godfrey Social club is located at 16 Westport Rd.

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