South-side Janesville tavern gets new owners
JANESVILLE — After 28 years as the owners of Jumbo’s Pub, 1110 Kellogg Ave., Jim Bohlman and Mike “Jumbo” Johnson have decided it’s time to get out of the tavern business.
So three Janesville natives—Greg Hughes, Brian Hughes and Rick Cole—bought the south side establishment from Bohlman and Johnson this week.
Greg Hughes and Cole also own Game Day Sports Bar and Grill on Jackson Street.
“We’re both retiring,” Bohlman said Friday. “Mike has a home in Arizona and he wants to spend more time there in the winter season.”
Bohlman will stay in Janesville. He plans to spend his time attending UW-Madison sports events and watching his grandchildren participate in sports.
The Hughes cousins and Cole plan to make steady changes in the bar, including an increased menu. Wi-Fi already is available, and the trio has installed more televisions and added DirecTV for tonight’s Green Bay Packers playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The new owners also plan to open up a banquet hall separate from the bar area for private parties, and live music is being planned on a regular basis.
Aside from his role as co-owner of the bar, Brian Hughes also is lead singer of the local band, “The Manberries.” The group plans to perform at the bar after tonight’s game.
The name of the bar also will change, and the owners plan to conduct a contest to help choose a new moniker.
“We’re going to make it a good place to be,” Greg Hughes said. “If people come in a couple of times each month, they’re going to see subtle changes each time they come in.
“This is certainly a leap and a risk. But I have confidence that Paul Ryan, Tim Cullen and others will bring industries and jobs back into Janesville. This is our way of investing in Janesville.”
And Bohlman won’t be a stranger.
“In 27 years, we’ve had so many great patrons,” he said. “More importantly, we surrounded ourselves with great help.
“The new owners grew up in the community and have the energy to take it to a new level. It’s a good deal for both of us.”
Jan 17, 2011 at 7:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
I am with talktalk, way to go on the negativity. A nice positive article on the ending of one story, and the beginning of another. Mike and Jim have done many things for many people over the years, does anybody mention that? Happy Retirement to Mike and Jim and Good Luck to Greg, Brian and Rick! :D The "toadbeak" will always be a reminder to me of what good guys Mike and Jim were!
Jan 17, 2011 at 8:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
Jim and Mike are great people. The bar is not always the best place to be I would agree but how many of them are. Girls that are 300 dressing like they are 100. 50 year olds dressing like they are 20. People watching much to see there and everywhere. Yes and the white people thinking they are little gang bangers. I am getting to the age when I go out I think are you sure you carded them?? Yikes
Good luck with your retirement.
Isn't Mike's nickname Jumbo? I see it is.
Jumbo Jr I think they call the son.
Jan 17, 2011 at 8:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
Well way to be positive people...Someone trying to make good of something and so many negative comments?...Nice. I hope it does work out. That side of town needs many improvements, maybe this can be a start...
Jan 16, 2011 at 2:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
My brother met his ex-wife at Jumbo's.
.
This is not a recommendation....
Jan 16, 2011 at 2:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
No, actually Jumbo's referred to the size of the beer and drink glasses. Used to have some, but they were old and got thrown away.
Jan 16, 2011 at 8:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
Jim with grandkids? Wow! Time does fly. I remember when Brad and Brady were hitting fareway woods from 120. Have a great retirement, Jim!
Jan 16, 2011 at 8:03 a.m.
Suggest removal
I always thought the bar name stood for the size of the women that hung out there......
Jan 15, 2011 at 10:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
Thanks Jim & Mike, for the chance to work for you years ago. Happy retirement!
Jan 15, 2011 at 10:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
Awesome!!!!! Looking forward to seeing this place with what the new owners plan to do, This change is long overdue!!!!!
Jan 15, 2011 at 9:44 p.m.
Suggest removal
OH, Come on. This is THE best bar to go to if you are merely going to watch people. There is never a dull moment, and, it is always entertaining. I only go once a year or so, but, it has ALWAYS been a memorable night to look back on, and, always fun. Good luck to the old owners in their retirement, and, good luck to the new owners of the bar.
Jan 15, 2011 at 9:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
I can remember a few years ago, my buddy and I went in Jumbo's to have a drink. While I was walking on the carpet I notice my shoes sticking as I was walking, looking down I saw little foam was rising on the sides of my shoes. The carpet was awful. Needless to say we left and didn't have that drink.
Jan 15, 2011 at 9:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
It sounds to me like they are going to try to turn this into a classy place. I hope so. Banquet space is nice and so is live music. Bring it on and keep out the riff-raff.
Jan 15, 2011 at 9:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
I hope the new owners clean up the people that go there! All those idiots with their ICP shirts and too tight clothing acting like they are little gangsters. Maybe a couple toothbrushes would help too.
Jan 15, 2011 at 8:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
I hope the new owners clean the carpet and the grease off the side of the building under the exhaust fan.
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.