JJ’s Fish House in downtown Poulsbo has reopened under new ownership after closing last year, keeping alive the longtime restaurant of over 25 years.

Edwin and Ana Cos are the new owners, marking their first time running a restaurant. They are originally from Guatemala and moved to Kitsap County about five years ago.

“They have been looking for an opportunity to be in the restaurant industry,” Edwin’s brother Gio Cos said, who owns the nearby Poulsbo Woodfired Pizza.

JJ’s reopened May 18 right before Viking Fest weekend. It is considered a soft opening as the menu is still limited and more staff still needs to be hired. There are currently 9 staff members, four in the kitchen and five out front. The restaurant is also waiting on its liquor license, which might still be a few months away.

The iconic JJ’s name will remain the same but the menu will see a few changes, while also keeping many of the old dishes. Seafood staples such as crab, lobster, clams, oysters, scallops, different kinds of fish, and more will be on the menu, supplied by a local vendor.

But the new owners also want to add a little more flavor to some of the dishes with a Hispanic flair. One example is ceviche, defined as a Hispanic-American dish typically made from fresh raw fish cured in fresh citrus juices and spiced with aji, chili peppers or other seasonings, along with red onions, salt and cilantro.

“We’re trying to use local ingredients from local farmers,” Gio said, translating for Edwin and Ana. “We try to look for more flavor so people don’t get the same thing. Fish and Chips you can get everywhere, but it depends how you make it.”

The inside of the restaurant also has a new look and feel after a few months of renovations. Some work is still ongoing, Gio said.

JJ’s is currently open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday.