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AURORA, Ohio – On December 20, 2025, Mad Jack’s Grill & Pub in Aurora marked its final day of service, closing after 15 years in the community.
In that time, Mad Jack’s became known locally as more than a restaurant. It was described by patrons as a place where families gathered, friends reconnected, milestones were celebrated, and familiar faces made everyone feel welcome. For many in Aurora, its closing represents the end of a long-running, well-known neighborhood spot.
Mad Jack’s Grill & Pub Closing After 15 Years
With Mad Jack’s Grill & Pub closing, Aurora is losing a business that had become part of the city’s dining identity over a decade and a half.
Mad Jack’s operated at 204 S. Chillicothe Road in Aurora and built a reputation as a casual, community‑oriented grill and pub. Its official website and online listings, including Mad Jack’s website and Yelp, reflect its presence as a long‑standing local restaurant with a loyal customer base.
The December 20, 2025, closing date marked the end of its run, with the final day framed by supporters as an opportunity to stop in, say thank you, and share memories with the team.
John And Terri’s Role at Mad Jack’s
Throughout its 15 years of operation, John and Terri were recognized for their dedication and hospitality, which helped shape the Mad Jack’s experience.
In community comments about the closing, they are specifically thanked for their work at Mad Jack’s and for the atmosphere they helped create. Their connection to the restaurant and its guests was a key part of how people in Aurora viewed the business.
As Mad Jack’s closes, it has been noted that their work in the hospitality industry is continuing elsewhere in Aurora.
1815 Tavern: A Separate, Established Aurora Restaurant
One of the places where John and Terri’s work continues is 1815 Tavern, a separate, established restaurant located at 170 S. Chillicothe Rd., Aurora, OH 44202, in the city’s historic district.
According to the 1815 Tavern website and local historical coverage, the building—often called the “1815 House”—dates back more than two centuries. Information from the Aurora Historical Society describes the structure as part of an early 19th‑century homestead that served travelers as a tavern in the 1800s.
The property was restored and opened as the current 1815 Tavern on February 15, 2016, with renovations that included a modern kitchen and patio while preserving the historic character of the building. That same coverage identifies Terri and John Updike as the owners who undertook the restoration and opened the restaurant in its present form.
Today, 1815 Tavern operates as a full‑service restaurant, with its hours, menu, and contact information available on its official site and major restaurant platforms including Yelp and Tripadvisor.
What We Know About the Transition
From publicly available information and local communication, the following points are supported:
- Mad Jack’s Grill & Pub operated for 15 years in Aurora and closed on December 20, 2025.
- John and Terri are recognized for their role at Mad Jack’s and for their ongoing work at 1815 Tavern.
- 1815 Tavern has been open since 2016 in a historic Aurora building and is a separate, already‑established restaurant.
Based on that, it is accurate to say that while Mad Jack’s Grill & Pub is closing, John and Terri remain active in Aurora’s restaurant scene, including through their work at 1815 Tavern.
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