West Penn Billiard Stays Closed While Family Sorts Through Bankruptcy

The owner of on Babcock Boulevard, closed since mid-August, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy — but hopes to reopen it eventually, according to his granddaughter. 

“This business has been in our family forever,” said Jade Leon, 23. “We won’t go down without a fight.”

The store's owner, George Leon, 71, declined comment through Jade Leon. 

Two attorneys associated with West Penn Billiard’s bankruptcy case did not return phone messages left Thursday.

The store has been shuttered since mid-August when an 8-inch-by 11-inch sheet of paper was posted on the front door at 3221 Babcock Boulevard stating that the business would be "closed for the next few days." 

A July 12 bankruptcy filing by George Leon lists more than $1.3 million in total assets he plans to surrender, including his home, a 2007 Toyota Scion and a 2003 GMC box truck.

Leon has accrued more than $1.6 million in total liabilities including a $115,000 home mortgage, a mortgage valued at more than $1 million for the Babcock Boulevard store and 38 separate claims from creditors.

Leon purchased the property with his wife, Anette, in 1988, according to Allegheny County property records.

He has unpaid property taxes for 2010 and 2011 totaling $10,148.22, according to the records. 

The store offered for sale pool tables and accessories, as well as jukeboxes, game room supplies and furniture.

It had 13 employees when the owner first filed for bankruptcy in November 2010. Three employees were laid off in April, according to the bankruptcy records.