Neighborhood roller skate fanatics are eager to get back on their wheels, but they’ll have to wait a little longer to roll into Chez Vous, the 88-year-old Mattapan institution that has been closed since last March when the pandemic shuttered all indoor gathering places.
The Rhoades Street business is now targeting its reopening for the end of summer or start of fall, pending some emergency renovation work.
According to manager Derick Toney, a fundraising campaign aimed at keeping the business alive has been mainly successful.
“When we closed, we still had to pay bills and fulfill other contracts we had with folks,” he said. “Luckily, between the GoFundMe, selling soul food dinners out of the rink on weekends, and selling Chez Vous merch, we were able to do enough to keep those entities satisfied with the money raised.”
Still, rink management found itself facing another setback a few weeks ago, when part of the brick facade of the building collapsed overnight. Repairing the building exterior, along with other necessary renovations that had been planned for the interior, will delay activity at the venue in the short term.
“Luckily, the brick situation happened when it did, because it gave us confirmation that these renovations that we are looking to do anyway are needed before anyone can come in,” said Toney.
“Currently we are not zoned for opening because of safety regulations. The building has been closed for over a year, so we have to address certain things. But the renovations will be starting, very, very soon.”
Chez Vous’s GoFundMe campaign, which as of this week had raised $33,000 of its $50,000 goal, remains ongoing. Toney thanked the community for continuing to support the longtime neighborhood business and for helping keep them afloat during a tumultuous year.
“We’re so grateful for the love the community has shown us throughout this recovery process. We’re looking forward to welcoming skaters back and to the day when we can move forward as a community.”
