06/02/2026
For those who donāt know me. My name is Kari and I am Connie and Punchās daughter. After 30 years ; we bring Cjs to a close. I feel itās important to share the story on how Cjs was born.
In the 70ās , mom began working for my great uncle Bob Rodriquez who was the owner of Papa Juanās in downtown Cedar Rapids. She started out as a cook , waitress and eventually becoming the manager. She worked for Bob until the new owner Jim Ross took over.
Mom knew the inās and out of everything regarding the business and Jim wanted her to stay as his GM and so her new journey began with him. Jim eventually relocated its new location to Blairsferry Rd in the late 80ās and she followed.
After many years with Papa Juanās,
She made a very difficult decision in 1994 and decided to leave without having a back up plan. He pleaded with her to stay.
Furthermore, she was a great asset for Jim , Jim had challenges without her and unfortunately he sold the business within 6 months of her departure.
Working in the industry and managing a restaurant is all she knew . She was uncertain what direction she would take next, but opportunity knocked.
This is where Coaches Corner comes in. A local bar where my parents enjoyed spending time with family and friends at.
One evening, while they were sitting at the bar, the owners were talking about wanting to sell their business . My dad looked at mom and said with certainty ā we should buy this barā you can run this Connie.
She was hesitant for many reasons and was not on board at all, however with time, his motivation and encouragement , they agreed to become the new owners and named it after their son in law Chris Jones who was a MLB player at the time .
January 5th 1995 is when Cjās Sports Bar was born and opened itās doors.
Eight successful years in, our lives turned for the worst in 2003 when dad (punch ) was diagnosed with cancer and lost his battle six months later . We were devastated and everyone that knew him was impacted. This was a great loss for us , family , friends and customers.
Four days before my dadās passing I sat with him and asked. āWhat do want mom to do with the business?āHis response ā Sell it when she is tiredā well, the time has come and sheās tired.
My dad also added that CJās is a place to help people and what I believe he meant by this is , Cjās is a place where people like to go who feel itās their outlet, a place for unions , celebrations and even tears. Itās community. He and my mom built a place that brings family , friends and people together and he knew that.
I like to say dad is ā The spirit of Cjāsā His framed photo has been on the wall for close to 20 years. I believe his spirit has been protecting and watching over my mom and the business they created together. Iām sure heās tired too!
Many of you have heard my mom say ā Home is where the heart isā CJās became just that for her after he passed. It was all she had left. She has created many close relationshipās with customers and staff that made it home for her. The love of her life is gone, but what they built still remained.
This industry is not for the weak. It takes someone tough and resilient to make it last successfully for 30 years.
My momās loyalty is to her customers , especially to her loyal customers of many years.
Why do you think you can buy a drink under $6 or a full dinner under $10 at Cjs in 2026?? Itās because of her heart and the loyalty to her customers. Itās never been about her or the money. She has remained humble all of these years.
Thank you to the customers who have shown loyalty to her all of these years . Showing her love and support with her business and in your own unique ways. It is hard to say goodbye to a place that you too can call home . We know nothing lasts forever, but the memories we hold do. Cherish them.
Thank you to all the employees that have been by her side and finishing this out strong with her. You are appreciated. Special thank you to my cousin Michele for always coming through when she has needed it and my brother Tony for helping during the really hard times.
Lastly, Iām proud of you mom. You put your time and dedication in . It has not been easy. A lot of patience and hard work. You have rebuilt and started over with the loss of dad , the flood, pandemic and deracho. I know youāre tired and that you are ready to live life stress free.
I wouldnāt have missed the last Hurrah with you. CJās will be missed. A sad , yet needed chapter has ended. You created memories for many and you and dadās legacy will live on for many years to come. Iām looking forward for you to have your first visit to Az retired and stress free and more time with your children and grandchildren. I love you mama! The Queen of CJās!
