When the downturn in the housing market had construction contractor Geoff Honeywell looking to diversify his income, a bar wasn't the first idea that came to mind, until he heard that the Starlite Tavern was for sale.

"Outta the blue I heard this place was for sale and had a vision that a lot of people in Lebanon would like a nice, non-smoking place to go," said Honeywell, who opened Geoffrey's Place two weeks ago at 638 Main St.

Creating that vision took several months of labor.

"Anything that was exposed to smoke and nicotine was removed and replaced," Honeywell said.

Additional lighting and air conditioning were part of the renovation project as well.

Honeywell hired his staff as construction started. Long before they poured their first drink, the bartenders spent weeks sanding and painting.

"They were all hired for their hard work ethic and strong morals and values," Honeywell said.

Honeywell's pride and joy is the the wall adorned with murals of American sports heroes such as Babe Ruth, Terry Bradshaw, Dale Earnhardt and several others chosen not only for their greatness but what they did after winning.

"Every one, the first thing they did {after winning} was point up and thank God," Honeywell said.

Looking up, patrons leaving through the front door will see a mural of an M1 Abrams tank - a nod to Honeywell's time as a tank commander in the U.S. Army.

The menu includes a different dinner special every night. Two tacos for $1 on Wednesday night has been very popular, Honeywell said.

Gourmet salads, hamburgers, steak, appetizers and shrimp and chicken baskets also are served.

"We got filet mignon this thick," Honeywell says while holding his forefinger and thumb two inches apart.

Several beers are on tap, as well bottles of Blue Moon

and Alaskan microbrews. Honeywell said he hopes to be offering more local microbrews soon.

Entertainment includes live bands, karaoke and comedy acts. In the back room, patrons may play video games such as Guitar Hero and

Wii bowling and boxing. Honeywell said he has plans to hold regular video game competitions.

Superheroes, 70s bell bottoms, and 80s long hair theme nights add to the fun.

On Sunday mornings, a church group will use the back for services until it can acquire its own building.

Customers looking to surf the Internet while knocking back a cold one or enjoying one of Honeywell's juicy hamburgers can take advantage of the free wireless Internet connection.

To accommodate smokers, Honeywell plans to construct an enclosed smoking structure behind the building, complete with terra cotta heaters and a big screen TV. Security cameras will monitor the back alley to ensure nothing illicit is going on.

Aware that the Starlite had a rather sordid reputation with its neighboring businesses and the police, Honeywell is determined to keep Geoffrey's Place an upscale establishment suitable for anyone.

"We don't want any druggies, drunks or fighters in here," he said. "We want people to have a good time."

Geoffrey's Place is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. 'til midnight.