Beloved South Jersey Bar Jester's Dive Bar Closing After 4 Years

Owners cite sale negotiations as reason for abrupt shutdown, disappointing loyal customers

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Jester's Dive Bar in Rio Grande, New Jersey, announced it will be closing permanently this Saturday, March 14th, after just 4 years in business. The bar's owners, Bill and Megan Bumbernick, say they have been in negotiations to sell the establishment and decided now is the right time to shut it down. Locals are sharing memories of the bar's great food, live music, and social scene, expressing sadness over the sudden closure.

Why it matters

Jester's Dive Bar was a beloved community gathering spot in the Rio Grande area, known for its lively atmosphere, live entertainment, and popular menu items. Its abrupt closure is disappointing to many loyal patrons who will now have to find a new local hangout spot.

The details

Jester's Dive Bar opened in April 2023 after the Bumbernicks bought and renovated the old Rio Station property. In a Facebook post, the owners announced the bar will be closing this Saturday, March 14th, rather unexpectedly. Sources indicate the Bumbernicks, who also own The Surfing Pig and The Swine Bar in North Wildwood, have been in negotiations to sell Jester's and decided now is the right time to shut it down.

  • Jester's Dive Bar opened in April 2023.
  • The bar will be closing permanently on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

The players

Bill and Megan Bumbernick

The owners of Jester's Dive Bar, as well as The Surfing Pig and The Swine Bar in North Wildwood.

Jester's Dive Bar

A popular bar and music venue in Rio Grande, New Jersey that is closing after 4 years in business.

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What’s next

No further details have been released about the future of the Jester's Dive Bar property or any potential new owners.

The takeaway

The sudden closure of the beloved Jester's Dive Bar is a loss for the Rio Grande community, which had grown to love the bar's lively atmosphere, great food, and live music. This highlights the challenges small businesses can face, even those that have built a loyal customer base, when owners decide it's time to sell.