Owner of Jo’s dismisses rumors of a closure; says it’s temporary only

Rumors floating around town that Jo’s Nautical Bar is closing permanently are unfounded, according to Stephanie Aprea, who co-owns the business with Mike McDevitt.

“We’re closed temporarily [due to state-imposed restrictions on bars], but we hope to open as soon as those are lifted,” Aprea said. It is not yet known when those rules will be lifted.

The bar-related restriction states that alcoholic beverages can be served only for on-site consumption if accompanied by food prepared on site. Jo’s does not have a license to serve food.

The bar’s walls are covered with decades-worth of memorabilia that tell stories of years gone by. A recent auctioning of some items from the upper floor of Jo’s may have sent a message that it is closing, but that is not the case, according to Aprea. The auction notice listed the items as vintage nautical decor and collectibles.

After hearing rumors that Jo’s was shutting down, Malee S. Nuesse, who lives nearby and goes to Jo’s occasionally, was relieved to learn that the bar will eventually reopen.

“Jo’s is an icon in town and the quintessential neighborhood bar with character, history, and many good stories,” Nuesse said. “Jo’s is a rare, untouched gem – a destination place for artists, commuters, kids home from college, and many, many others in and around Hull.”