Jo’An’s Restaurant & Bar is in phase 1 of a four-phase renovation, according to new owner Mo Jacob, and is anticipated to re-open the middle of next week. The restaurant closed last Sunday at 5 p.m.

Heading the renovation is contractor Brad Rechtfertig, owner and builder of the boutique inn The Grand Idyllwild Lodge. In a two-hour interview, Jacob lined out the changes coming.

Carpet was pulled, as well as the separating wall in the middle of the room, and new tile was being laid that looked like wood. Steve Zaccardi was putting all booths under re-upholstery with, as Zaccardi said, “higher-end,” leather-like fabric in bright red.

Booths will be located on the outer perimeters of the restaurant. New tables and chairs will occupy the center of the room and be moved for a dance floor with a portable stage occupying the space between the two large windows facing Village Center Drive.

The interior walls will be painted a brownish color to complement the booths while the outside of the restaurant will be similar to the exterior colors at the Grand Idyllwild Lodge. Other changes will include lighting.

However, no changes will be made to the bar, the kitchen or the restrooms at this time.

See more on the other phases in next week’s paper, as well as Jacob’s changes to Idyllwild Property Management.