Jester’s Dive Bar in Rio Grande Closing After 4 Years
After many months of rumors that Jesters Dive Bar in Rio Grande was sold, today it has been confirmed that indeed is closing
Those who had been keeping track of the local rumor mill had suspected something was coming, but the confirmation still caught many regulars by surprise and so soon!
Jester’s Dive Bar in Rio Grande Closing After 4 Years
On social media, the owners of Jester’s announced that the bar will officially be closing its doors after four years in business.
In their message to the community, the owners acknowledged the speculation that had been circulating for months.
“Yeah… we heard the rumors. And yeah… we ignored them. But now it’s real: after 4 incredible years, Jester’s is closing. Come say goodbye this week and join us Saturday, March 14th, for The Last Dance with Misguided and DJ Brother Mike. Let’s go out laughing, dancing, and maybe crying a little.”
They added in a separate post that the decision was not easy and thanked the community that helped build the bar’s atmosphere.
“We are sad to be closing and will miss all of the people who made Jester’s so special.”
The farewell celebration scheduled for Saturday, March 14th, is expected to be the final night for the popular local spot, giving longtime customers one last opportunity to gather, listen to music, and say goodbye.
Did The Rio Station Restaurant Sell?
Since opening roughly four years ago, Jester’s has carved out a reputation as one of Rio Grande’s more casual and energetic neighborhood bars. With live music, DJs, themed nights, and a laid-back dive bar atmosphere, it quickly became a hangout for locals looking for a no-frills place to meet friends, watch a game, or catch live entertainment.
Also See: Two New Restaurants Are Coming to North Wildwood
Long before Jester’s opened its doors, the building had already lived as Rio Station. Opening in the 1970s, The Rio became a fan favorite, especially for their crab cakes!
So what’s going to take its place?
Back in December, a public notice will shed some light. In that public notice, it said that the applicant was looking to get approval for a retail bank building and associated parking.
This application was only for changes on the lot North of Jesters. This lot is owned by the same owners of Jesters (lots 9 and 10).
What kind of bank we don’t know, and the application doesn’t state what will happen to the existing Jesters.
One thing is for certain, we are not getting a Applebees.
Those asking about the liquor license, formally known as a plenary retail consumption license, are being sold to TT TZ Liquor LLC.
That application states that the LIC will “continue to site the license to its presently sited location.” This means that a restaurant could still be there, hence why the new construction bank is only on one lot.
What would you like to see in Jesters?