Family-owned Five Star Dive Bar in Elkhart finds new owners

ELKHART, Ind. -- The current owners of Five Star Dive Bar in Elkhart announced via Facebook they've officially sold the bar after running it for the past 12 years.

The owners, Jason and Raquel, say they made the decision to make an exit plan for themselves and their adult children over a year ago. Jason says in the post their kids have worked with them since they were very young and transitioned into adulthood while making a large commitment to the family's business.

The family-run business once operated in the nearby Easy Shopping place before moving into the upgraded State Theater building in 2017, and beginning operation in January 2018, according to the Five Star Dive Bar's website.

Jason says the new owners will take over operations in January 2025.

Jason and Raquel's last official day as owners is Dec. 31, when they will host a New Year's Eve party. You can buy tickets for the party here.

The owners also encourage you to use any gift cards you may have before the end of the year.

Jason says the new owners plan to run the bar as is for the time being, but things could change.

Five Star Dive Bar will be open 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and closed Sunday through Tuesday. The bar's last two Open Jam days will be on Dec. 8 and Dec. 15.

Jason says the band and entertainment schedule will remain until the end of the year and adds it will likely remain similar into the new year. You can find that schedule here.

The Five Star Dive Bar lists on its website the State Theater building was constructed in 1895, housing different businesses into the 1900s.

The building is said to have opened as the State Theater with a grand opening in August 1940. It remained open until 1987.

Following the closure, the building was a church and later home to Elkhart's Faith Mission Shelter.

The bar's website states in 2008 the building became home to a bar/restaurant called the Mad Anthony Brewing Company and later Krav Night Club and Cubby Bear Pizza, before Jason and Raquel purchased the building.

The bar is located at 526 S. Main St. in Elkhart.