Demolition of the Iconic Papa Joe's Restaurant is in progress. The building was a strip plaza when Joe and Donna began their restaurant endeavor back in 1981. The tiny end unit housed Papa Joe's humble beginnings with a secondhand oven and a couple little tables. Gradually, they extended, one unit at a time until finally taking over the entire building. This was the setting of 33 years full of memories with family, friends, and community. Though the memories will remain, their stage has been taken by fire, leaving behind only charred, melted rubble. Hard work and long hours, passion, comittment, and love are what built this place yet as I stood with Joe watching bull dozers plow through the remains of our dining room, he said "out with the old, in with the new". His heart was in this place and I'm sure it's as broken as the building, yet his optimism, faith, and hope remain unwavering. The demolition is a sign of progress and moving forward. A refined restaurant will be built upon the same foundation, both in literal and figurative terms. Papa Joe's will rise again, you can bet on that!
Can't wait to visit the new Joes! I may even drive home to visit the week it opens! My first job was there and I know Joe will make the new greater then the old!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephen. It is very exciting to look toward the reality of having a fresh, new building! We'd love to see you at the grand reopening, I know your family will be there.
DeleteWhat a passionate statement of the life and times of Papa Joes and the meaning of life as it was and is and WILL BE!
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