Jacob Wirth in Boston's Theater District May Become JW's Sports Bar

Last week it was learned that a landmark Boston restaurant and bar that has been closed for a year could be undergoing an ownership change. Now we have learned that the new owners apparently plan to change the concept of the place.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Jacob Wirth in the Theater District may be replaced by JW's Sports Bar and Restaurant, and that as mentioned earlier, William Gateman who has been involved with such local spots as the Beacon Hill Pub, The Tam, and Sullivan's Tap, is one of the people behind it along with business partner Nancy Maida. The post says that the plan is to renovate the building with "due respect" to the structure--it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places--while building out the restaurant itself, with the work possibly taking up to a year to complete. The owners will need to meet with three neighborhood groups before any action can be taken on the purchase of Jacob Wirth's liquor license, with one such meeting slated to take place next week.

Jacob Wirth was the second-oldest continually operating restaurant in the city until shutting down last June; the place first opened in 1868 was known in part for its German dishes, extensive beer list, and piano singalongs.

The address for Jacob Wirth (and the proposed JW's Sports Bar and Restaurant) is 31-37 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

More from Boston's Hidden Restaurants
Change of Ownership May be Coming to Jacob Wirth in Boston's Theater District
Jacob Wirth Restaurant in Boston's Theater District Closed After Fire in Building
Jacob Wirth Restaurant in Boston's Theater District Is Up for Sale

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)