Jo-Jo's

[Long time laker]

I was eagerly awaiting the new management/ownership at jo-jo's for two reasons:

First, I was hoping that economies of scale would bring down prices. I was wrong. A .62 lb of Jarlsberg Cheese was $8.18 (that's nearly $16/lb... YIKES!!) and my wine of choice was 35% more expensive at Jo-Jo-s than the Center Harbor Store. So much for economies of scale. Oh, a half gallon of Hershey's Ice Cream is over $6.50.... please.

Second, I was hopeful that an experienced "big store" manager would speed up operational efficiencies behind the sandwich counter. If you thought the "what's the rush" mentallity left with Russ and Barb, no chance. It is alive and well. Somebody should point out that there is a difference in prompt quality service and "rushing." There is no doubt the sandwiches are good, no better than any other deli, but the prep time is painfully slow.

It looks like 2011 will be the 35th season where we dust off the coolers and bring the food in from Tilton or points South. Jo-Jo's is great for an emergency run but is too rich for my blood, even for lunch.

[Belmont Resident]

Early one season before ice out I was working a job next to Trexlers. We ventured to Jojos for lunch twice. After that it was brown bagin it. Went in about a week later for a drink and chips and the girl asked what happened to all the contractors as the place was empty at lunch. I didn't have the heart to say we just can't afford to pay $10.00 plus for lunch every day.
There subs were good, although I felt very small for the price.
Now no matter where I'm working I seek out those $5 footlongs from subway.

[Irrigation Guy]

.
There subs were good, although I felt very small for the price.
Now no matter where I'm working I seek out those $5 footlongs from subway.

I have to differ with you on this one. The footlong subs are definatley not over stuffed at all. At $6.29 for a large at JOJO's it seems well worth it. Fresh cut veggies vs funny tasting prepackaged veggie, jojo's quality coldcuts and store made chicken salad is a no brainer for me.

I avoid subway whenever possible. I guess to each there own.

As for "longg time Laker" aka first time poster, why are these types of posts always coming from a first time poster anyway? They are there for the convenience not the bargain shopper.

I did ask if some items might come down in cost and the response I got was they are a seperate location requiring a seperate delivery and therefor pay a different price. Thats what they said.

[Hermit Cover]

I think some of our Forum...ers must have paid an extra premium for a high contribution start up number....like say $200 for a Contributions Number in the 200"s so that all the " really knowledgeable veterans" wouldn't single them out for making a 1st comment........! For a meager $10 spot you are allowed to state your opinion......for $15...it can be mildly negative.....but you gotta be a "big number contributor" to be counted...and not be criticized. Maybe the next Forum Fest will have a dart throwing contest to raise lotsa money:(

Just IMHO...

[Bear Island South]

I agree, this is a public forum and its your opinion.
what does it matter if you are a first time poster?
Just maybe these people have some knowledge.

[BernerGuy]

I love JoJo's, and as long as things remain close to what they were with the previous ownership, I will be back there for lunch June 1st.

[Lakesrider]

I don't have any problem letting people know that the food was too expensive, and I don't have any problem not going back to a place that is too expensive. For me any way. Then again most people have more money than me so the might not have that issue. When Skelly's went to $3.95 for regular gas, I didn't even step foot into that store. You have to do what you have to do....

[Irrigation Guy]

I just feel that people who come in and have such a negative first post directed at an establishment may in fact be long time members posting under a new name. Usually someone would need to feel comfortable in a place to walk in spouting off a strong opinion like that.

I agree we all had to start somewhere, but I think most usually start with a question or a piece of advice they think they can add vs a strong negative opinion.

I am human and could easily be wrong but my gut is usually right. :(

[Belmont Resident]

You obviously have a strong positive opinion of the establishment maybe due to a close connection.
I have had excellent quality per price at subway. BUT I only opt for the $5 foot-long and have not paid for anything but those in years. And I load up on each and every vegetable they offer.
On the other hand I feel jojos is just ok and on the expensive side.
But remember as a contractor I'm looking at it as a place to go for a sandwich on a daily basis. From that perspective they are pricy. For someone who might stop in from time to time they might not seem as pricy.
Either way that’s what the forum is for both positive and negative. Your opinion is just as valid as the person who started this thread.

[Irrigation Guy]

I guess to each there own.



Sorry no connection to JoJo's except for my happiness when they open in the spring and sadness when they close in the fall combined with being happy not to have to drive all they way off the neck for a sandwich. :liplick:

[Long time laker]

I just feel that people who come in and have such a negative first post directed at an establishment may in fact be long time members posting under a new name. Usually someone would need to feel comfortable in a place to walk in spouting off a strong opinion like that.

I agree we all had to start somewhere, but I think most usually start with a question or a piece of advice they think they can add vs a strong negative opinion.

I am human and could easily be wrong but my gut is usually right. :(


You should be careful, not just on internet forums but also in life, not to confuse opinions with facts. Also, as in life, new people can bring new ideas, attitudes and insights to an organization or conversation.

The price of the cheese, wine and ice cream isn't an opinion; it is a fact.

It is also a fact that Russ and Barb used to have a slogan, I can't recall it verbatim, but the spirit of the message was "you are in the no rush zone and we're going to take our time." In my opinion, that isn't a customer focused attitude.

The final fact is that I worked at Jo-Jo's when they had gas pumps out front and I've been a part of the lake for 40 years. I will stop in Jo-Jo's at my convenience or if I'm in a bind. Otherwise, I'll continue to plan properly, bring in my meat and groceries from points south and use the money I save to buy fuel.

PS- I am new to posting but not new to reading these forums. In your first response you surmised I may be a "long time member posting under a new name." What's the point of that? Based on your desire to dismiss my maiden post, wouldn't posting under a new name forsake one's gravitas?

[Bear Island South]

You should be careful, not just on internet forums but also in life, not to confuse opinions with facts. Also, as in life, new people can bring new ideas, attitudes and insights to an organization or conversation.

PS- I am new to posting but not new to reading these forums. In your first response you surmised I may be a "long time member posting under a new name." What's the point of that? Based on your desire to dismiss my maiden post, wouldn't posting under a new name forsake one's gravitas?

Long time, I like your style!
Welcome to the forum.

[VitaBene]

You should be careful, not just on internet forums but also in life, not to confuse opinions with facts. Also, as in life, new people can bring new ideas, attitudes and insights to an organization or conversation.

The price of the cheese, wine and ice cream isn't an opinion; it is a fact.

It is also a fact that Russ and Barb used to have a slogan, I can't recall it verbatim, but the spirit of the message was "you are in the no rush zone and we're going to take our time." In my opinion, that isn't a customer focused attitude.

The final fact is that I worked at Jo-Jo's when they had gas pumps out front and I've been a part of the lake for 40 years. I will stop in Jo-Jo's at my convenience or if I'm in a bind. Otherwise, I'll continue to plan properly, bring in my meat and groceries from points south and use the money I save to buy fuel.

PS- I am new to posting but not new to reading these forums. In your first response you surmised I may be a "long time member posting under a new name." What's the point of that? Based on your desire to dismiss my maiden post, wouldn't posting under a new name forsake one's gravitas?

There is a price to be paid for convenience.

[gus62]

I was eagerly awaiting the new management/ownership at jo-jo's for two reasons:

First, I was hoping that economies of scale would bring down prices. I was wrong. A .62 lb of Jarlsberg Cheese was $8.18 (that's nearly $16/lb... YIKES!!) and my wine of choice was 35% more expensive at Jo-Jo-s than the Center Harbor Store. So much for economies of scale. Oh, a half gallon of Hershey's Ice Cream is over $6.50.... please.

Second, I was hopeful that an experienced "big store" manager would speed up operational efficiencies behind the sandwich counter. If you thought the "what's the rush" mentallity left with Russ and Barb, no chance. It is alive and well. Somebody should point out that there is a difference in prompt quality service and "rushing." There is no doubt the sandwiches are good, no better than any other deli, but the prep time is painfully slow.

It looks like 2011 will be the 35th season where we dust off the coolers and bring the food in from Tilton or points South. Jo-Jo's is great for an emergency run but is too rich for my blood, even for lunch.

I personally appreciate your concerns and will address what I can at this time. As of the day Rus and Barb left approximately 600 prices have been reduced throughout the store. Some categories have not been addressed yet but will be shortly. Please remember as I stated in a previous post that pricing is set based on particular overhead in possibly every retail business. We have been very careful when making changes and have listened to all customer concerns and advice. We have not changed the sandwiches in the store because of what customers have requested. A price/cost analisis is being done to see if pricing can be changed however I would not compare a subway sandwich to JoJo`s unless you consider "fillers" as quality. JoJo`s uses fresher and quite frankly better quality meats in our subs and plenty of them. Not so at Subway. As far as Rus and Barbs "no rush" attitude this is the first I have heard of that and I will address with the staff the need to expediate the process without sacrificing service and quality. We have a very qualified and experienced staff who work hard to serve the customers. When listening to everyones pro`s and con`s I have tried very hard to address their concerns and will continue to do so to improve the overall operations at JoJo`s. Thank you for bringing to light your concerns and we will do what we can to address all of them.

[Skip]

...I never said things don't cost more there but in this world you usually pay for convenience....

You've convinced me LR....so next time I'm down in your neck of the woods they are definitely a "go" for me for lunch. You're buying....right? :D

[JTA]

I was one of the first customers when Russ opened Jo Jo's. Prior to that it was Robins (??). Yes, they have always been high priced, but certain features made the place popular with me. Early on they had a super butcher and each year we would occasionally treat ourselves to their excellent meats.
So who's in a rush when at the lake? I order my sandwich and poke around for a while until it's ready.
Mostly I just enjoyed going into the place ... ahhh, I'm at the lake!
Let's not ask for too much change. Heath should have a store manager or two whose friendly face becomes familiar to all of us.
If you want lower prices, faster service and $5 subs? No problem ... go up the road.

[VitaBene]

You've convinced me LR....so next time I'm down in your neck of the woods they are definitely a "go" for me for lunch. You're buying....right? :D

If he is not around, I will buy!

[Irrigation Guy]

If he is not around, I will buy!

Keep buying him lunch and he will keep coming around. :laugh:

http://www.moultonborough.org/Pages/MoultonboroughNH_WebDocs/0145BE12-000F8513.43/bear.jpg

[Meredith lady]

My son Ryan's girlfriend works in the deli and has once again returned to JoJo's...say hi to Hannah when you stop by!

[NHKathy]

So who's in a rush when at the lake? I order my sandwich and poke around for a while until it's ready.
Mostly I just enjoyed going into the place ... ahhh, I'm at the lake!
Let's not ask for too much change. Heath should have a store manager or two whose friendly face becomes familiar to all of us.
If you want lower prices, faster service and $5 subs? No problem ... go up the road.

I so agree with all of this!

[This'nThat]

So who's in a rush when at the lake?
If you want lower prices, faster service and $5 subs? No problem ... go up the road.
Who's in a rush? Perhaps the person who has already made 3 repair stops already today -- and has at least 5 more to go before he can finally get home around 7 or 8 tonight. Before getting up again at 5:00am to do it all again.
Who's in a rush? Maybe it's the salesman who is trying to get down to Boston to catch the Redeye in time for tomorrow's business meeting.
Who's in a rush? It could possibly be the mom who needs to feed her 3 kids before they turn antsy and start disrupting the rest of the clients.

Not every one can take the leisurely route. And as for me, I appreciate knowing where I can get slow food and fast food; or pricey or inexpensive -- so I can make the choice where to spend my money. That's why I value any forum poster -- even those so-called newbies -- that provide the data I need to navigate the lake. Much better than wasting time, gas, or money to find out on my own.

[robbsracingengines]

First time poster. Ive been lurking around here for quite a while and never really been motivated to join and post till now. Its funny how a thread about a darn store prompted me to do it. Jo's Jo's country store is somewhat Iconic to me and my family. I hope it doesnt change. ALL of it is part of its charm IMO. Yeah its a little pricey, but the quality and convience is worth it as far as im concerned. We stumbled upon Long Island Bridge Campground about 15 years ago, and we have been camping there every summer since. I have 3 kids 13, 14 and 16. Its what they know. We visit Jo Jo's many many times while we are there. As funny as it sounds going to Jo Jo's for breakfast sandwiches, subs or the fixings for samores has become a fond part of our vacation. When I sit here and read this I kinda laugh how we have always considered shopping at Jo Jo's a looked forward to part of our vacation.

[Pepper]

Welcome aboard Robbsracingengines! Glad you felt compelled to finally post after years of lurking!

Isn't amazing how passionate we all are about the various things that symbolize this wonderful place we all love. It's what makes this forum so wonderful, and what has drawn so many of us together into lifetime friendships.

While we don't all agree about everything all the time, we're all here because we're drawn to the discussions. It doesn't seem to matter how important or trivial the topic may be, we all dive in head-first when we have a viewpoint.

I'm happy to read your thoughts on Jo-Jo's because it brought back memories of a small store I used to frequent as a kid while vacationing in Greenport, NY. Thank you for unwittingly sending me on that trip down memory lane! :D

I hope now that you've gotten your feet wet here, you'll continue diving in with the rest of us.

[songkrai]

What's the rush?
I drive the speed limits now or a tad more. I am not in a rush to get anywhere.

But when I was younger. Working full time. Going to night school 2-4 nights per week for 17 years. Summer School. Classes in between semesters. Well, I was in a hurry. And in my spare time constructing a home in the Lakes Region. Time was of the essence.

Some people work two jobs and raise a family. Time is a luxury for them.

Myself, today, if someone is close behind me in car when safe to do so I pull over and let them go.

Not everyone has the luxury of slow poke time.

This is no excuse, of course, for speeding. But some people have important places to go and things to do. So waiting in line as someone debates the type of pickles in a sandwich and then goes on to explain how pickles are made - whilst another person is waiting in line for a quick sandwich - well, get on with it.

So I do respect those who wish to buy a sandwich quickly. And I do respect those who wish to talk about Michael Palin and his movie career or Sarah Palin and her politics.

[Nagigator]

Micheal Palin of Monty Python? Anyways, we had a trailer at the KOA campground right close to Jo-Jo's back in the eighties. We came to rely on them for their quality meats and bakery, not to mention the great deli selections, salads and stuff.............Over the years we have still gone to them for steaks. This year we will be staying on the neck road, so it will be interesting to see the new Jo-Jo's.

[JTA]

I stopped by Jojo's today to get a couple of subs for dinner. I happen to like their subs and things haven't changed ... they are still great IMO.
Now, the store has changed under the new management. The deli counter looked fabulous and the meats! OMG!! The store is clean and well stocked and the prices are lower that they were. (oh yeah the meats are expensive but they are obviously premium steaks).
I felt compelled to speak to the store manager (Rich I think) to let him know how great the store looked.
Oh, and earlier in the summer, before local corn became available, we purchased some at Jojo's and it was sweet and excellent.