I was looking at the Original Joe’s SJ web site and here’s what they have to say about the relationship with Original Joe’s in SF:
‘In 1937 the partner’s at “New Joe’s” had a falling out. One of the partner’s teamed up with Louis J. Rocca and Ante Rodin and started a restaurant at 144 Taylor Street in San Francisco. He insisted he was “The Original” so they called the new restaurant “Original Joe’s.” The restaurant became extremely popular.’
'On May 24, 1956 Louis J. Rocca, Louis J. Rocca, Jr.(Babe), Arthur Tortore (Otto) and Anthony Caramagno (Nino) opened “Original Joe’s” in San Jose. ’
and finally:
Original Joe’s is an independently owned restaurant and not affiliated with other Original Joe’s establishments.
The SF Joe’s has this to say:
‘Original Joe’s history runs deep, beginning in 1937 as a 14-stool counter on a saw dust covered floor at 144 Taylor Street in San Francisco’s Tenderloin. It was opened by a Croatian immigrant, Tony Rodin…’
‘In the late 1930’s, original owner Tony Rodin partnered with Louis Rocca. In 1983, after a fulfilling 40-year partnership, Louis left and sold his share of the business to Tony’s daughter and son-in-law, Marie and John J. Duggan’
Both the SF/ Westlake Joe’s are owned and run by the Duggans, and the San Jose location is owned and run by the Roccas.
