The Return of an iconic venue

For over three decades the blackwater has opened its doors to Stockton’s diverse community, with its eclectic tastes for the arts.

By Blaze Rodriguez

Folk, rap, indie, country or classical – all styles are welcome Blackwater Republic, graffiti art, poetry included

The location at 921 N Yosemite st in Stockton is going through a rebirth, not the first it’s undergone in its long history in the central part of the city.

“I can’t build a place next store and get the vibe I’m going to get within these four walls,” Said new owner Tony Homsi.

Historically it’s always been known as the Blackwater, except for a year it was renamed The Bus Stop by a previous owner.

When Homsi purchased the location six months ago, he brought the Blackwater name back, adding Republic to the title.

Although not a Stockton native, Homsi is familiar with the city and the café’s history. “I’m lucky to have two home towns,” said Homsi. “I’ve been adopted by the city of Stockton the city has been good to me.”

Homsi originally wanted to buy another pizza joint on the Miracle Mile and call it The Pizza Republic but once he found out that The Bus Stop had come up for sale he jumped at the chance to own such a historic venue.

The cafe recently had a soft-launch reopening in mid June. Homsy is now bringing back Wednesday night open mic as well.

Homsi understands the importance of promoting local artists. “The city itself has to recognize that the local art scene is important,” said Homsi “We’re just doing it one day at a time it will get better and better as it goes on.”

Tim Jackson, a longtime Blackwater patron, is in charge of the open mic event. His favorite memory of the location involves, of all places, the bathroom. He remembers it being full of stickers and graffiti from artists who performed at the Blackwater. Those artists include Joe Buck, The U.K. Subs and Cake.

“I think it’s important for the city especially for the people who play music, it gives them something to do.” said Seth Jacks who’s has donated his equipment and services to the venue’s Wednesday nights open mic.

Although Seth is born and raised in Stockton, he had never been to the old Blackwater cafe but played with his band Coffee Crew when it was the Bus Stop.

“The place is looking good they fixed it up nice, pretty stoked to see where it goes.”

The bathroom no longer looks as Jackson described. Instead, it’s been modernized. Facelifts from more recent owners include the removal of a rustic-style sitting area called “the ship of fools” that was a patron favorite.

Homsi gave the old place another facelift by painting all four walls, building a new countertop and remodeling the bathroom. It now looks like more of a modern coffee house. The vibe remains the same, though. Locals who have come for years are still coming – even after management changes.

The name of the Blackwater Republic itself has a dual meaning, said Homsi. Blackwater is for the coffee served, which Homsi strives to provide patrons with the best.

Then there’s the “republic” tie in.

“I might own this place but it’s not my place we are all part of the republic. Anybody who has made this place what it is or felt at home here, or found a friend here. We have stood up together against people who wanted to shut us down and take away this venue. But it doesn’t matter because this will go on long after.

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