From the Door to the Deed: A Q&A With New Owner Christopher Jones
The rebirth of a legend like Jimmy’s Music Club doesn’t happen by accident. It takes vision, passion, and a deep understanding of what made the place special to begin with. The man leading the charge is Christopher Jones, a real estate developer whose connection to 8200 Willow Street is more than just business—it’s personal. Sixteen years ago, he worked the door at The Frat House, the college bar that occupied the building in its post-Jimmy’s era.
Today, he holds the deed. We sat down with the new owner to discuss his journey from the door to the owner’s office, his vision for blending the old-school spirit with a modern edge, and what the future holds for one of New Orleans’ most iconic music venues.
Your history with this building is unique. Can you tell us about your first experience working here?
Sixteen years ago, this was my first job in the service industry. I was 18, just out of high school, and started working the door right here when it was The Frat House. I was hungry to learn and had no idea what an impact this place would have on me. It feels like coming full circle. The venue that helped launch my journey is now mine, and I get to be the one to bring it back to life.
What made you decide to buy the building and resurrect Jimmy’s Music Club specifically?
This place is legendary. It’s been a part of New Orleans since 1978, and its story needed to be honored. After it closed post-Katrina, it went through a few different phases that, frankly, were less-than-legendary. My goal is to bring back the spirit, the sound, and the soul of the original club. It’s about resurrecting a legend, not just opening another bar.
How do you plan to balance the club’s famous “sticky-floor” authenticity with the expectations of a modern venue?
That’s the key. We want to keep that “sticky-floor, loud-night, real-music kind of place” vibe that everyone loved, but do it with a modern twist. We’re doing a complete renovation—new bathrooms for the first time in 20 years, a new exterior, new lighting—but the most important thing is the sound. We’re putting in a killer sound system because the music has to be the focus. It’s about having that old-school, no-frills authenticity, but making sure the experience is top-tier for both the artists and the audience.
Jimmy’s was famous for both funk royalty and punk rebellion. What can people expect from the music lineup at the new Jimmy’s?
We want to honor that diversity. I’m still doing my research on the best entertainment offerings, but the plan is to have a mix of everything. We’ll bring in national touring acts, but we also want to be a home for the local music scene and the college crowd from Tulane and Loyola. You can expect everything from live bands to DJs to maybe even comedy nights. The goal is to have something for every music lover.
The venue’s more recent history as The Willow was very different from the original Jimmy’s. How will this new chapter be different?
I’m very aware of its history as a popular college bar, and we’ll still provide entertainment for that crowd. But we’re going to be very different. I was a reserve officer with the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, so following the rules is embedded in my DNA. We’re not going to be a place that condones underage drinking. You have to run a professional, rule-abiding business to survive, and that’s our commitment. This is about quality music and a safe, professionally run venue.
We hear there are plans for the building next door. What can you tell us about that?
Yes, our ownership group also acquired the adjacent duplex. It was previously used for storage and as a space for bands. My plan is to lease it out to an outside vendor to open a restaurant or a coffee shop. I think adding that will create a complete experience for people coming to the neighborhood and bring another level of excitement to the corner.
How important was it to get the blessing of the original founder, Jimmy Anselmo?
It was absolutely essential. This revival wouldn’t feel right without him. Jimmy has given us his full blessing, which feels like a true passing of the torch. He’s confident that we’ll bring the sounds and spirit of his club back to Willow Street, and that means the world. He even gave us a handful of vintage posters from the club’s heyday, which we’re framing and hanging on the walls to memorialize the history and the legends who played here.