By Darlene Brace
Kurt Johnson and his wife Tammy have been the owners and operators of Shawbucks in downtown Jamestown since 1995. When it first opened, it was two bars in one location with different atmospheres. Since then, the bar has had several renovations and transformations, and this year is their 30th year anniversary of being the owners of Shawbucks.
Most people in the area know that Shawbucks is a bar that offers entertainment in the evenings. They currently host Karaoke Night every Friday at 9pm, where you can sing and showcase your talent. There are plenty of TVs for watching sporting events, and on some nights, a DJ plays fun dance party music.
On Saturday nights, Shawbucks often features live music from bands such as Smokin’ 45, Porcelain Busdrivers, Taylor Remaid, New Wave Nation, Backlog, Two for Flinching, We Speak Canadian, and many other entertaining bands. This month on October 18th, Party Mcfly will perform, and Shawbucks will hold its annual Halloween Party on October 25th. In November, Taylor Remaid will take the stage on November 15th, followed by Dark Water Duo performing on November 22nd.
some area residents may not realize that Shawbucks is more than just
a nightlife entertainment venue. It offers an amazing full-service dining experience
with a comfortable and cozy ambiance and spacious seating.
Although Shawbucks is a staple of the entertainment in downtown Jamestown, some area residents may not realize that Shawbucks is more than just a nightlife entertainment venue. It offers an amazing full-service dining experience with a comfortable and cozy ambiance and spacious seating. Tammy is instrumental in running the restaurant, and the Johnsons have created a relaxing atmosphere, making it enjoyable whether you’re having an intimate dinner for two or a larger gathering with friends and family. Additionally, the restaurant can accommodate those looking to host small private parties and luncheons.
Shawbucks offers a diverse menu that goes beyond typical bar fare like chicken wings. The menu includes succulent steaks, fresh seafood, tasty appetizers, a variety of salads, hearty pot roast and pork chops, pasta dishes, and fish fries every Friday. Plus, they offer vegetarian and gluten-free options to cater to different dietary needs and to ensure that everyone finds something to enjoy.
For over a year, the building originally constructed in 1928, has been undergoing renovations to expand the business into a more comprehensive venue. The first floor where the restaurant is will feature new bathrooms. In September 2025, a brand new outdoor patio on the west side of the opened, which accommodates seating for approximately twenty to thirty people.
Kurt is also in the process of renovating the second and third floors. The second floor is being transformed into a large area that will be ideal for hosting wedding receptions, conferences, live music performances, comedians, and other private and public events. New bathrooms will also be installed on the second floor as well, and it is anticipated that this second floor will be open in about a year from now.
Eventually Kurt plans to renovate the third floor and create a patio with seating and will feature a vibrant and airy rooftop bar, complete with an additional bathroom and an elevator for convenience. The renovations have been a slow process with steady but gradual progress. Kurt is carpenter by trade and has been managing the business while doing the renovations himself alongside their sons, Colin and Kaden.
Kurt stated that sixty five percent of their business is the restaurant. Kurt said, “Tammy and I hope that people really enjoy the restaurant and bar. It’s a place for relaxing and winding with friends. We always
some area residents may not realize that Shawbucks is more than just
a nightlife entertainment venue. It offers an amazing full-service dining experience
with a comfortable and cozy ambiance and spacious seating.
welcome returning customers and would like to invite new customers to come in and experience the comfortable dining area with our home cooking menu and see what Shawbucks is all about.”
If you’ve dined at Shawbucks for dinner before, it’s likely to be one of your top choices. However, if you haven’t been there yet, and are looking for a new place to eat, head over to Shawbuck in Jamestown. You’ll enjoy a relaxing dining experience with a variety of delicious food options for you and your family.
Be on the lookout for the opening of the second and third floors, which will be happening in the near future. Shawbucks, located at 212 W. Second Street, is open every day except Mondays. It opens at 4pm each day and closes at 12am weekdays and at 2am on Friday and Saturday nights. For information about dining specials and schedules for nightlife entertainment, you can visit Shawbuck’s Facebook page.