Public speculation around what the future holds for Joe Pop’s Shore Bar and Restaurant in Ship Bottom – now that the liquor license transfer to new ownership is complete – is as wild as Wednesday nights with The Nerds at the iconic Long Beach Island music venue.

“There is no intention to tear down the building. Our short- and long-term vision is to have a casual dining experience with amazing food,” the new owners, LBI Diner LLC, said in a statement Monday evening.