Jumpers

Jumpers

Logo for the bar JUMPERS from 1994-2007.
Type	Private
Industry	Bar
Founded	February 27, 1972 (1972-02-27) in New Prairie
Headquarters	Kaster Ave (One block north west of the Derelli Towers), New Prairie, WI
Owner	Jason Weiss
Number of employees	11

Jumpers is a legendary, highly frequented neighborhood bar located in the Downtown Core of New Prairie, Wisconsin, exactly one block away from the iconic Derelli Towers. Established in 1972, it survives the catastrophic events of the 1976 Great Fire. The establishment has experienced a significant surge in popularity in recent years, solidifying its status as a quintessential go-to gathering space for the city's mid-20s crowd, off-duty white-collar employees, and local music enthusiasts. Jumpers functions as a primary social nexus, connecting nearly half of New Prairie’s population.

Management and Culture

The culture of Jumpers is defined by its owner and primary proprietor, Jason Weiss. Weiss is a man in his early thirties with blond, dyed hair and thin-rimmed glasses. He operates on a "friends to anyone" basis. He is known for greeting all patrons equally upon entry, personally spending time talking, laughing, and joking with customers. This hands-on management style often culminates in him treating patrons to a drink by the end of the evening. This reputation for exceptional hospitality is credited with driving the establishment's recent business success.

Architectural Aesthetic & Design

The rough layout of JUMPERS

Jumpers eschews the cold, imposing Brutalist-Modernist design of its corporate neighbors at Derelli Towers, instead opting for a warm, weathered mid-century aesthetic reminiscent of a slightly grungier, lived-in tavern layout.

The Sunken Bar

The venue's defining architectural trait and the explicit origin of its name. The main back bar area is structurally recessed directly into the ground floor.

The Name Lore

Upon its opening in 1972, high-spirited patrons who had enjoyed "one too many drinks" would routinely attempt to clear the drop by leaping directly down into the sunken bar area. The moniker stuck, shifting from a localized stunt into the bar's official identity.

The Atmosphere

Think brick-lined walls, vintage neon signs reflecting off worn wood surfaces, classic vinyl booths, and a buzzing, unpretentious energy. It functions primarily as the quintessential go-to gathering space for the city's mid-20s crowd and off-duty white-collar employees looking to step out of the corporate bubble.

"Saturday Night Unsigned"

Weiss established a recurring program on the small stage, creating a showcase dedicated to local, up-and-coming musical talent. This program is credited as a major factor in the bar's sustained local popularity.

Formation of Foolish Creeper

World-renowned rock band Foolish Creeper has its origins in the walls of Jumpers, where founding members Denis Porter and Lauren Jensen frequented the bar in their early days. Having just gotten out of another band, Porter needed to fill the itch and created what would eventually become Foolish Creeper with his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Jensen. The band performed weekend sets at the bar and quickly began developing a following that would have them return for special fundraising events.

Character Connections

• Denis Porter
• Ian Grada
• Gravestone
• Lauren Jensen
• Garrett Moore
• Logan Myers
• David Ricci
• Ashley Sheppard

Appearances

Films

• None

Stories

• The Gravestone Entries: The Nocturnal Undead Are Not Pleasant Citizens (2009) (first reference)
• One Night (unreleased)