After years of cooking for the river neighborhood and providing us all with what we wanted to eat, it’s time for Joyce and Jim to do something for themselves. And what do they want to do that they can’t do right here? Well, here’s a hint – you know that sail boat moored right outside of the café? Jim and Joyce own it – and they have dreams of sailing it down the Eastern seaboard of the U.S., or the South American coast line. Ever since they moved to the river from Freeport 10 years ago, they have talked about sailing away with no set deadlines– but something has always gotten in the way. They have taken at least one island hopping trip to the Caribbean during the time Roy and I have known them – and other short trips. In fact, they set sail every chance they get - even if it’s just a day trip.

Joyce and Jim have been seriously preparing for their great adventure for some time now. They sold their bigger sailboat, and got one smaller and easier to handle – with a motor, in case the winds fail. They figured the time for their sea adventure was now, “ Before we get too old to enjoy it,” said Joyce. And now, they have sold their café – the sale should close any day now.

Hold on to your hats, neighbors – they have not left us high and dry- and without a local place to get a hamburger or a shrimp basket! They sold the café to another San Bernard local, Donnie Simpson. Joyce said that at least for the time being, everything around the restaurant will remain the same – the same cooks, the same menu. Even the hours will remain the same: 

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday open from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and again for dinner from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.;

Fridays the hours are the same as Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, except they will close at 9:00 p.m.

Then for the weekends, 2 J’s will be open from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.  on Sunday.

They will still be closed  on Tuesday

Joyce anticipates the only changes to take place anytime soon would be Donnie adding a deck on the river side of the café, and maybe (if we are lucky) he will again offer breakfast on the weekend in the summer.

For the time being, Joyce and Jim will continue to come into the café and do what they can to help make the transition easier for both Donnie and the café patrons. They still own their house here, and you will still see them on the river from time to time. BUT – they really want to get on with their adventure before the Hurricane Season starts so they can be in a safe harbor when the storms come. If they can’t get out of town before March, they will be forced into taking car road trips. But whatever adventure they choose to tackle first, they will be back in July to celebrate Joyce’s mother’s 90th birthday!

So friends and neighbors, be on the lookout for the 2 J’s sailboat and wave at Jim and Joyce as they sail by. Send a little  of your love along with them on their adventure and just maybe they’ll bring that love back to you on their return trip - along with a good story of their adventures. As the sun sets on the San Bernard River and a well–loved couple and their sail boat, another page in our river’s history is turned.