Charles Robinson, The founder of Lawrence and first governor of Kansas, purchased the land where the original JOHNNY'S in Lawrence stands today. J.D. Bowersock added four walls, and a hotel and grocery were born.
	The evolution from grocery to pool hall to grocery to gin joint occurred with the help of a little experiment called "prohibition".
	Tractors and other farm implements were on tap when Slim Wilson (Johnny's dad who weighed in at 325 lbs.) became the proprietor of the establishment. Cold beer and gambling were just a sideline at Slim's place until the real deal began.
	Mr. John Wilson stepped in and JOHNNY'S TAVERN was born! It became a haven for the workingman with plenty of cold beer and C & W music on the jukebox. The original red arrow and giant beer mug sign still hang out front today. For 25 years, "Big John" was the master of this house and this era created the legend that is JOHNNY'S TAVERN. It was the beginning of what is now the LONGEST RUNNING TAP IN TOWN.
	Fellow rugby players and fledgling barkeeps Rick Renfro and Doug Hassig took over ensuring a place for teammates to partake in suds and song. The 'boys' added a grill behind the bar and started serving up what are now "JOHNNY'S WORLD FAMOUS BURGERS".
	This year brought both Louie Riederer and the Up and Under to JOHNNY'S. This upstairs bar - a private club until Kansas adopted liquor by the drink in 1987 has the look and feel of a speakeasy. Look for Jimmy Cagney's eyes peering through the speakeasy window at the top of the stairs.
	Because behind every great man stands a woman, 1988 became the year of Betty's. While the 'boys' were expanding the tavern, the grave marker of Betty Gailes that had washed down the river during a flood was unearthed. The employees picked up on it and called the new edition "Betty's". With this last expansion Johnny's has become a truly diverse establishment, home to locals, college students, families and suits. a true melting pot.
	With JOHNNY'S, the UP & UNDER and BETTY'S, there was nowhere else to grow. Pat Roberts joined the 'boys' with the opening of JOHNNY'S 119th in Overland Park.
	After 5 great years in Overland Park, the 'boys' decided it was time to expand again. Shawnee's reputation for independence and frontier spirit made it a perfect place for JOHNNY'S Shawnee.
	The 'boys' expanded with Sean Haydock, Kyle Witherspoon, and David Allen joining the team. JOHNNY'S 135th and Quivira opened with a new twist - Overland Park's 1st NONSMOKING SPORTS BAR!
	Just before the year ended, we added a new location - JOHNNY'S in Prairie Village. We hope to bring the melting pot of Lawrence to the "big city" as your neighborhood tavern - a place with great food, friendly service, good friends and a casual atmosphere.
	Rick opened JOHNNY'S 1ST PIZZA KITCHEN. Now serving the best pizza in Lawrence. Johnny's celebrated 50 years in the restaurant business! Five locations in 50 years serving the best food and drink in the area with the friendliest atmosphere in town!