To many, Thanksgiving means celebrating with family, friends, food and fun.
For patrons of Pete’s Bar, the day (and night) also means spilling into the street to enjoy the celebration with an adult beverage — like a bloody mary — to celebrate the season.
The Neptune Beach institution has thrown a Thanksgiving Day party event for more than 40 years, and co-owner Nancy Jensen said it began as a small celebration.
“It started with one lone bartender who was working on Thanksgiving,” said Jensen. “He was bored and had a few friends come up to join him on Thanksgiving for a couple of drinks and every year a few others would join.”
With the weather often pleasant in late November, Jensen said people eventually started taking their drinks outside with larger crowds.
That’s when the tradition became what many locals — and even people from across the U.S. — know today.
Typically, the establishment has 21 employees, including Jensen and her three children who co-own the bar, but for Thanksgiving it’s all hands on deck. Family and friends volunteer, bringing the total help to more than 40 people.
“It’s a lot of work,” Jensen said, “but it’s fun.”
Pete’s Bar is known for more than just its Thanksgiving festivities.
The business originated in 1933 with Jensen’s grandfather, Pete Jensen, who passed it down to his son, William “Pete” Jensen, who then bequeathed it to his wife, Clara Jensen, upon his death.
When Clara Jensen, Nancy Jensen’s stepmother, decided she wanted to sell the establishment, Nancy and her children bought it in 1999.
“We wanted it to remain in the family,” said Nancy Jensen. “When the regulars found out it was for sale, they were worried that things would change.”
Some things don’t change, though, such as the “cash only” policy.
“We don’t take credit cards,” she said.
Those with only plastic aren’t completely out of luck and can use an in-house ATM.
Jensen does the books herself and by hand. No computers.
Over the years the wall décor and home-away-from-home atmosphere haven’t changed either, part of the reason the wide range of regulars returns.
“We’re pretty steady thanks to them,” she said.
Though a beginner when she bought it, Jensen said she loves the job and would come in seven days a week if she could.
Her children don’t let her, though, but one day when she does step down she wants to leave the establishment with her two sons.
“As long as I can get around, I’ll be around,” said Jensen.
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