EXCLUSIVE: Theo’s Java Club, a staple of the downtown Rock Island scene for over 27 years, has found a new owner, current owner and founder Theo Grevas told QuadCities.com today.

As previously reported on QuadCities.com, owner Theo Grevas had mentioned Oct. 2 as a potential closing date for the quirky and unique spot for coffee, sandwiches, tea and more which has been a haven for a wide variety of folks from creatives to tourists at 213 17th St., Rock Island since 1994. Grevas since pushed the end date to this Wednesday, Oct. 6, and had Oct. 2 as the final open mic night under his ownership.

Grevas had been in negotiations with the new owner, who still wishes to remain anonymous, for the past couple weeks. A handful of other potential owners had also stepped into the ring, but had to withdraw either due to lack of funding, or interest. Grevas is retiring after 27 years in business, as owner of the Java Club, as well as the former Java Hut in downtown Davenport.

The shop will still close this week, albeit temporarily, as new ownership transitions into place. The venue will undergo some renovations, including a revamping of its performance area, which will be utilized far more under the new ownership, Grevas said.

“I’m happy that it’ll remain open beyond my ownership of it,” Grevas said. “I’m confident that the new owner will maintain the standards and quality we’ve had for the past 27 years, and I’m really happy that our customers and people who have supported us will continue to have a place to stop in for coffee and lunch and more.”

Grevas mentioned that he was looking forward to retirement, and taking a trip with his wife, but he’ll maintain contact with the new owners and will be available to consult with them during and after the takeover.

Current staff has been offered jobs with the new ownership, but it’s uncertain how many will be staying or have moved on to other opportunities.

“You’ll probably still see me in here from time to time,” Grevas said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what the new owner is going to do with it, I’m sure it’s going to be great!”

For more ongoing coverage of this story, continue to check out QuadCities.com.

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Sean Leary Director of Digital Media

Sean Leary is an author, director, artist, musician, producer and entrepreneur who has been writing professionally since debuting at age 11 in the pages of the Comics Buyers Guide. An honors graduate of the University of Southern California masters program, he has written over 50 books including the best-sellers The Arimathean, Every Number is Lucky to Someone and We Are All Characters.