Originally, The Hard Times brand was created, owned and operated by Michael and Karen Markulis, along with Michaels father Chuck. They opened the 1st Hard Times in Bellflower, California in 1987, where it remains today under new ownership. 

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In 1997, the Markulis family relocated from southern California to Sacramento and opened the Sacramento location.

Since then, Hard Times has become a household name in the pool and billiards world, as well as a staple in the local community.

 

In 2019, Hard Times was purchased from the Markulis family by Top Professional Player, Oscar Dominguez and his wife Desiree Dominguez. Oscar is globally recognized professional player who has represented the USA in many tournaments and events throughout the world. Oscar was guided and coached throughout his professional playing career by his father, Ernesto Dominguez, who still competes professionally as well. 

 

Oscar and Desiree have been fixtures in the Pool Community for many years through running their The Mezz West State Tour, which hosts tournaments throughout the western United States.

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With a passion for billiards, coupled with the guidance from The Markulis Family and Oscar's father, Ernesto, Oscar and Desiree strive to create a premier billiards facility for all to enjoy.