Jo's Hide-away

Mark Groening puts words into Bart Simpson's mouth and he eats at Jo's Hide-away when he is in town. On his first visit to Jo's Groening had a case of writer's block. Six hours later when he left, there was a stack of papers full of thoughts, ideas, drawings, and words for Bart Simpso's mouth.

Jo's Hide-away -- located at 4464 Lake Ave.- is a customer oriented full diner. Jo took over the place seven years ago. Since then she has developed a large loyal following. Jo knows the name of 70 to 80% of her customers.

Eating at Jo's Hide-away is like having a short order cook right in your kitchen. Pictures of Charlotte -- old and new -, boats, and an European bird clock cover the walls. There are toys and books for the kids and an old style high chair -- the kind with a tray. Jo can frequently be heard yelling to someone across the room. She offers homemade (or diner made) pies, sauces, and soups. Jo uses a grill that is out in the open where everyone can see her cooking. She uses very little salt in her cooking. She even offers sugar free pies. No alcohol is served so there is a true family atmosphere. She runs the place with her sister and sometimes her Mom helps out. And Jo doesn't allow a lot of profanity in her place. She has been know to throw a customer out for such behaviour.

A visitor from Vermont once told Jo that Jo's Hide-away was the one thing she missed about Rochester.

Jo's is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5am to 2pm; Friday 5am to 8pm -- a fish fry is available; Saturday and Sunday 6am to 2pm. Take out service is also available.

Jo has a drawing given to her by Mark Groening proclaiming his profession, "I put words in Bart Simpson's mouth."� Jo said that she has never seen The Simpsons because she is usually already asleep. So she has no idea if Jo's Hide-away in any form has ever been in an episode of the show.