Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse Franchise Overview

About Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse

Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse is a leading dining destination offering an everyday indulgence that provides a high-end experience without the high-end price. Johnny’s creatively blends sophistication of the past with a modern edge. As a distinctly upscale dining experience with reasonable prices, Johnny’s features a traditional speakeasy ambiance that is brought to life by timeless steak and Italian dishes, entertaining service and its trademarked Blue Bar where hand-crafted cocktails are skillfully prepared.

Franchise History

While looking for a new venture, Mike Whalen, CEO of Heart of America, wanted to create a concept that combined an upscale yet affordable dining experience reminiscent of the classic 1940s and 1950s supper clubs, with a menu featuring superior steaks and Italian cuisine. In 2002, he founded Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse as a modern-day tribute to the concepts fostered by Iowa legends John Stamatelos, the infamous bootlegger, and Johnny Compiano, a New Orleans restaurateur known for the iconic Steak de Burgo. The emerging brand is now experiencing rapid growth and attributing its success to its timeless themes, high quality food and mentality of “enduring always trumps endearment.”