Lots of people know the former Last Call Bar and Grill on Main Street in Gays Mills was sold earlier this fall and some people probably know it’s now called J&J On Main. However, most people don’t know who the new owners are or what their plans for the place are.
Actually, the new owners are two younger couples, who purchased the bar from Doug Enke. One couple, Justina and John LaLande, are the J&J in the name J&J On Main. The other couple is Rebecca and Josh McCullick. Rebecca is John LaLande’s sister.
John and Rebecca grew up in Lancaster, while John’s wife Justina was raised in Boydtown and attended school in Wauzeka.
Rebecca’s husband Josh McCullick was raised in Wauzeka where he also attended school. If you’re in the bar, it will probably be Justina and Rebecca you’ll see. John LaLande works in the oil industry for British Petroleum in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska in a two-week-on and two-week-off rotation. Josh McCullick works on the road for the Burlington and Northern Santa Fe Railroad.
While both men have some pretty serious careers elsewhere, they seemed to be enjoying themselves as they helped their wives with some Christmas decorations at the bar last Saturday.
Justina and Rebecca are the ones with bartending experience. Justina worked at Jo’s Country Bar in Steuben. Rebecca has also bartended at Double K’s in Boscobel.
The LaLandes currently live in Barnum and the McCullicks live in Fennimore. Both McCullicks also currently serve in Army National Guard units.
Justina and Becky’s idea for the bar is too start simply and build on that. The food reflects the simple start. It’s nicely prepared, but straightforward pizza, burgers, wings and fries. There’s also beer and mixed drinks with some local beers on tap.
Justina is ready to expand the menu by creating a gyro pizza featuring the popular lamb and beef meat often used in the pita bread sandwiches known as gyros.
It’s also about time to honor the holidays with a Tom and Jerry mix, Justina notes.
“Oh and grasshoppers too,” she adds, referencing the popular minty ice cream drink.
The bar is offering a Lotto Night on Tuesdays and is part of the local Thursday night pool league.
J&J On Main is currently open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday—depending on the crowd.
The bar is open from 11 a.m. to midnight “or later” on Friday and Saturday. They are also open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
J&J On Main plans to start a fish fry on Fridays later this month and shortly after that wants to introduce prime rib on Saturdays.
“We’re not rushing,” Justina explains. “We want it to be good, so we’re taking our time.”
The fish fry will feature a beer batter, according to Justina.
Like many bars this time of year, J&J On Main has drink specials during the Packer and Badger games.
If you’re in Gays Mills, J&J on Main is open for business and you’re invited.