Those who know Joe’s Joint for its deliciously greasy burgers and cheap late-night food might notice something missing from the cozy Franklin Street restaurant.
Eduardo Velez — the man many know as Joe — has decided to sell Joe’s after years of owning the classic diner.
Velez could not be reached for comment after multiple calls.
Ivan Renteria, a nephew of Velez, said his uncle is selling Joe’s for personal reasons.
“He was tired of working here, so he was trying to sell it, and somebody else came and bought it,” Renteria said.
The new owner of Joe’s is Jake Beatley, Renteria said.
But Renteria will be in charge of Joe’s under the new ownership, and the restaurant will mostly stay the same — only a few additions to the menu will be brought in.
“They’re going to add some more stuff to it, like hot dogs, and try to make them different ways,” he said. “Other than that they want to keep it the same stuff.”
John Woodard, pharmacist and owner at Sutton’s Drug Store, said running a business in downtown Chapel Hill can be very difficult.