J & J’s Restaurant has been facing the threat of never opening again after their previous landlord would not let them renew their lease for another year. This restaurant is based right here in Cincinnati, OH, and is a staple of the westside community. J & J’s has been serving the westside community for over 50 years, and many people visit frequently for a sense of community alongside delicious food.
On May 9, 2026, the restaurant posted on their public Facebook page, mentioning that because of “circumstances beyond our control, we’ve been forced to leave our current business location” and that they would be closing the doors of that past establishment only four days later on May 13. Since the business was unable to renew and reopen their restaurant, they had to relocate in a timely manner. They told customers to be on the lookout on their Facebook page and other social media websites for updates. The restaurant had been rumored to reopen in August of 2025, but this did not happen. There was nothing posted for customers to see, and the restaurant did not open in August.
The new location is still set for 5939 Harrison Ave in Cincinnati, right next to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital on Harrison Ave. The building that is now being turned into the restaurant was previously Weinle Auto Sales, but it had not been in business for a while. In September of 2025, J & J’s posted updates on their Facebook showing that construction had started and the building was opening up and getting bigger. In December of 2025, the Facebook page posted that they were set to open in March of 2026 due to working behind the scenes. Following the announcement, they posted updates on the menu items, progress reports, and potential giveaways for the restaurant.
In great news, in February of 2026, the restaurant posted that renovations were in full swing to start construction on the outside of the building. While they did not announce a grand opening date, they did announce that they are going
to start a rewards program for their loyal customers. On April 20, 2026, J & J’s posted a look at their new building, and it has a new modern look. With a grey brick side, a dark roof, and a red logo, the restaurant is coming along nicely. Comments on the Facebook page show that locals are still awaiting the grand opening, but it looks like business will not be slow. One comment read, “Waiting for my ham double-decker. Bet you won’t be able to get in when they open. Probably be a line waiting,” proving that locals are itching at the opportunity for the great local restaurant to open once again.
