Fact Brief: Is San Jose’s Original Joe’s closing?

Original Joe’s, located downtown at the intersection of South First Street and San Carlos Boulevard, is not closing, despite reports and online speculation. 

Although one news outlet reported during the restaurant 70th anniversary that the family said, “They’re ready to pass the torch,” Joe’s co-owner Brad Rocca said he has no plans to sell. But his family “hopes to land a buyer that’s ready to keep its traditions alive”.

Further driving the confusion, media outlet SFist wrote an article the following day speculating about the San Jose restaurant’s future. It pointed to the possibility of being purchased by other, unrelated Original Joe’s restaurants found in San Francisco, Marin and elsewhere in the Bay Area. 

On May 27, San Jose Original Joe’s posted on its Facebook page to stamp down further rumors and speculation: No, Original Joe’s in San Jose is not closing and is not up for sale.