Jo Ann Weiss Sawitz Bass, the heart and soul behind one of Miami Beach’s most beloved institutions, Joe’s Stone Crab, passed away on January 31 at the age of 94. She died peacefully in hospice care at her Miami Beach home, just across the street from the restaurant that her family founded more than a century ago. Her death marks the end of an era for the iconic restaurant that has been a staple of South Florida’s culinary scene.
What Happened:
In a statement shared through Joe’s Stone Crab’s official social media accounts, the family announced Bass’s passing with deep sorrow. “Jo Ann was more than the CEO, matriarch, visionary, brand guardian, and head tastemaker of Joe’s Stone Crab. She was Mom,” the message read, highlighting Bass’s pivotal role in the restaurant’s continued success.
Born on October 18, 1931, in Miami Beach, Bass grew up alongside Joe’s Stone Crab, which was founded in 1913 by her grandfather, Joe Weiss. What started as a small establishment offering fish sandwiches on Weiss’s front porch eventually transformed into a global culinary landmark after the introduction of stone crabs to the menu in 1921. Joe’s Stone Crab became synonymous with fine dining in Miami Beach, drawing world-renowned celebrities and dignitaries over the years, from Frank Sinatra to Elizabeth Taylor.
Jo Ann’s Leadership and Legacy:
Bass’s dedication to the family business began at an early age, starting her work at the restaurant as a teenager in the mid-1940s. After taking a decade-long break to focus on raising her children, she returned to the restaurant full-time. Following the passing of her father, Jesse Weiss, who had managed the restaurant for 60 years, Bass stepped into a leadership role alongside her son, Stephen Sawitz.
Under her guidance, Joe’s Stone Crab faced and overcame numerous challenges, including the devastating Hurricane Andrew, all while maintaining its reputation as one of the most celebrated dining destinations in the country. Famous for its seasonal stone crabs, creamed spinach, and key lime pie, the restaurant became a cultural touchstone for the South Florida community and beyond.
“It’s in my blood,” Bass said in a 2012 interview. “I love it. The whole place, it’s my family, it’s my security blanket… It’s Joe’s. It is a wonderful place.” Her love for the restaurant and her vision for its future were central to its ongoing success.
Public Reactions and Tributes:
Jo Ann Bass’s passing has reverberated across South Florida, where she was a beloved figure in both the hospitality industry and the community. Joe’s Stone Crab has long been more than just a restaurant; it’s an institution that has shaped the local culture and economy. Bass’s legacy extends far beyond the business itself, with her contributions to the South Florida community being immeasurable.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to organizations that Bass supported, including the Urban Construction and Craft Academy, the Miami Rescue Mission, and Mt. Sinai Hospital.
Looking Forward:
While a formal celebration of life will be announced in the coming days, Jo Ann Bass’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through the restaurant she helped build and the countless lives she touched throughout her 94 years. As South Florida mourns her loss, her family, friends, and the many patrons of Joe’s Stone Crab will continue to celebrate her life, drawing inspiration from the dedication, vision, and love she poured into every aspect of her work.
“She was a life well-lived, one worth celebrating and emulating,” the family statement concluded.
