The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
-by Bonnie Johnson The Quill Staff
Jo Jo's Korner - Yummy Ice Cream
Steve and Jo Stull, Raritan, bought the business from Diana Mackey in June of 2000. The building had been the home of Alan and Madge Kemp when Diana bought it; she with the help of Bob Cole remodeled it to make an ice cream shop. Jo had owned a restaurant years ago and was interested in starting a business again, so she thought she would give this a try.
Jo said, "I have really good help. Several of the young ladies worked for Diana and they taught me the ice cream business. It's really tricky to make a neat ice cream cone and they taught me how to accomplish that task. I try to keep five employees working for me, but right now a few of them have left to go back to college or have graduated from college and are now persuing their careers. I'm training several new employees and I'm sure they'll work out just fine".
Jo Jo's Korner normally closes during the winter months, but they have decided to stay open this winter. Requests have been made to keep it open and the Stulls want to please their customers. In the summer the hours are 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. seven days a week, but now through winter, it closes at 7:30 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.
Jo has a wide variety on the menu; tenderloins, cheeseburgers, mozzarella sticks, fries, onion rings, variety of beverages and ice cream, served to your liking. She also has introduced a "Kids Meal", miniature hot dogs or chicken nuggets, served with fries, small drink, and a fruit roll-up. They also offer Butch's pizza.
Jo Jo's Korner not only offers good food but gift items such as candles and candle accessories, crafts, and fiber optic items for sale.
Jo said her concerns for the area are "better signage coming into Stronghurst to help promote the town and the businesses".
Jo was raised in Rushville and Steve in Raritan, together they have five children, Tony Miller, Tammy Miller, Carla Williams, Scarlett Stevenson, and C.J. Stull; ten grandchildren. C.J. has just been deployed with the National Guard and is in Fort Dix, New Jersey for two months on his way to Iraq.
Jo says, "I enjoy working with my employees and serving my customers. I really appreciate the support the community has given Steve and me. The patronage has been overwhelming. This is a good area to be in".