After 12 years, Jester’s Café at 607 Castle St. has new owners.

Partners Jamie Thomasson and Steven Fox announced the sale of the business to Robert Powers and Sydney Penny, longtime friends and Jester’s customers since the eatery's opening. They did not disclose the purchase price.
 
Thomasson said he took his time to hand select the cafe’s future owners to ensure that the character, quality and integrity of the restaurant would remain intact. 
 
“When Jamie confided that he was interested in selling, we figured we had better buy it to make sure it wouldn’t change too much,” Penny said. 
 
Powers, an artist and Cordon Bleu-trained chef, spent a year-and-a-half working alongside Thomasson to learn the particulars of the kitchen and the business prior to the purchase. The popular Rob’s Club sandwich at Jester’s Café is named after him. 
 
In connection with the sale, a few changes are being made in enhance the dining experience. The kitchen and ordering system are being updated to better handle the high volume of orders, particularly on the weekends. The interior of the restaurant will also receive an update with new paint and fixtures after the first of the year. Powers has begun to introduce some seasonal specials to the menu, and Penny is planting a welcoming garden at the entrance.
 
While some may be concerned about Thomasson’s departure, he said he’ll still be around during the transition.
 
“I’m leaving y’all in good hands,” Thomasson said. “And whenever I do leave, I promised Rob and Syd that I’ll come back to do command performances whenever they need me.”
 
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