CoCo Joe’s changes name, menu

A local grill and bar is slowly transitioning its look, menu and atmosphere to better serve a broader demographic.

CoCo Joe’s Beach House, 4855 E. Blue Grass Road, officially became Hunter’s Ale House on March 16.

General Manager Pat Simons said the restaurant is going in an entirely new direction, away from the dual-piano, beach-house theme.

“Over time, some of that will come out and some other things will come in,” he said.

Simons said there is no rush to make the full transition, as they are in the process of changing the décor on the inside and outside.

A 226-inch high definition TV — the second largest screen in the city next to Celebration Cinema — and new booths in the center of the restaurant have been implemented to start off the transition, Simons said.

He said the need for change came because the popularity of the dual-piano seemed to die-out.

“It’s more of a specialty bar where you (only) go so often,” he said.

Hunter’s Ale House will offer 17 specialty craft pizzas, burgers and variety of craft brews from breweries around the state.

“We have 24 craft beers inside, and six outside on the patio,” he said.

Simons said he hopes the revamping will make it a place where anyone can come. In the past, Simon said CoCo Joe’s had people from 21 and older come in for drink and food specials, but he hopes the transition will target all ages more effectively.

“We are trying to put a new name with a new face,” he said. “We’ve made it a place that anyone can come (to).”

Simon said the response has been fairly quiet, but overall positive. There is currently a temporary sign in the front that displays the new name.

“People come in and try our pizzas and beers they haven’t had before,” he said.

Davison freshman Lauren Bellamy said she was not happy to hear about the transformation.

“It’s one of the only places to get decently priced seafood,” she said. “It’s also somewhere different and fun.”

Bellamy said she liked the social bar scene of CoCo Joe’s and the overall beach atmosphere.

“I’m surprised to hear they are getting rid of duel-pianos,” she said. “I always enjoyed that.”

Harrison senior Tony Birch said he was unaware of the changes, but it won’t affect his decision of whether or not to visit the business.

“I liked the beach theme,” he said. “I feel like the Cabin has the atmosphere they are leaning toward.”