Editor’s note: This is the second of a two-part series
Monty’s Den began thriving in 1978 with the opening of Henry’s Place, snug in the back corner, serving beer to students for the first time on campus.
Henry’s Place emerged with a bang against community protest and three years of efforts to obtain a liquor license, finally granted with the hiring of father-and-son team Henry and Michael Goldy.
Michael Goldy also hired two Aztec Shops food servers (and college buddies) Brian Wynne and John Williams to work for Henry’s when they graduated from San Diego State University that year.
“Mike cared very intently about (Henry’s) and instilled in us the fundamentals it takes to run a business,” Wynne said.
Henry Goldy, the silent partner of Henry’s, had been in the restaurant business and held a liquor license in San Diego for nearly 30 years, according to Aztec Shops general manager Harvey Goodfriend.
Both Wynne and Williams remained at Henry’s for five years and worked several odd jobs during the summer breaks.
“The bar used to be the hub of social life on campus. It was really alive,” Wynne said. “Fridays was a wild time; we would sell a lot of beer.”
According to Wynne, bands played outside on the patio and inside Monty’s Den on Friday nights before students would spill over to the fraternity parties.
Wynne said school spirit was different back then.
“Students used to be able to take beer into the (football) stadium after the tailgate parties and the place would be packed,” Wynne said. “I don’t think I ever missed a game. Students really cared about SDSU.”
In 1983, Wynne and Williams left Henry’s to manage the new Kelly’s Pub on El Cajon Boulevard. Wynne said they worked seven days a week at Kelly’s for the first year.
Two years later, Wynne and Williams bought Kelly’s Pub.
Goldy told The Daily Aztec in 1986 that he didn’t feel the need to defend Henry’s Place or college bars in general.
“We offer a place where people can drink for the first time … in a controlled setting,” Goldy said. “We run this in a way (SDSU) has nothing to be ashamed of.”
That year Henry’s Place was congratulated by a San Diego vice squad checking College Area bars and restaurants. Police found that Henry’s employees would not serve alcohol to minors, according to Aztec archives.
Manager Andrew Neypes began working for Henry’s in 1988.
“Students back then were pretty much here to party,” Neypes said. “But now people are a lot more responsible. … They want to just finish school, so they come here to relax.”
Monty’s Bar replaced Henry’s Place in the Fall of 1990 after the second renovation of Monty’s Den. Henry’s was purchased by Peoplefeeders, the same company that opened two new food additions: Build-a-Burger and Square Pan Pizza. Piccolo also opened, the miniature version of Creative Juices currently operating in the Aztec Center at Peiffer Lounge.
In addition to the new food lineup, entertainment was put on the menu of Monty’s Den. Tuesdays became comedy night and Thursdays were open mic night for students who wanted to perform.
A couple years later, Peoplefeeders approached SDSU alumni and Kelly’s Pub owners Wynne and Williams to offer them a deal.
“Twenty years ago I never would have said John and I would still be working together and back (at Monty’s) where we started,” Wynne said. “It’s a perfect partnership.”
They purchased Monty’s in 1993. Five years later the Associated Students approved a plan to keep a quarter of the current beer garden in place while 6-foot dividers will house a temporary beer garden where the portable stage is located.
Wynne said he likes the new design, which is expected to be complete by next fall.
“I don’t think going school is the only thing to an education,” he said. “It’s a sense of community and school spirit, and that’s what Monty’s will be giving back.”
