For all the Johnnie's fans out there - $14 worth of food for only $7.

http://gr.pn/gG35Kx

Wow, when I bought mine this morning, only a little over 500 were sold. It's now closing in on 5,000!

Got mine too, thanks!

Seems like they have had some pretty good deals lately. Lotsa Noodles, Jamils, etc.

If I go to some casual low dollar place I dont want to be sitting next to some non-coupon draggin the elite. No thanks!

Better stay away from Johnnie's if coupon users offend you. Over 6,400 sold so far today. :kicking:

Yum, got mine!

Almost 11,000 sold that day, unfortunately, I forgot to buy mine.

I got mine and plan to use it on Sunday.

The location on S Western has signs on the door, closed due to Fire.

Wonder when that happened?

The location on S Western has signs on the door, closed due to Fire.

Wonder when that happened?
Their Facebook has a post from Sept. 29th saying it would be closed for remodeling because of a fire.

Their Facebook has a post from Sept. 29th saying it would be closed for remodeling because of a fire.
oh, not sure I agree with that. :/

Their Facebook has a post from Sept. 29th saying it would be closed for remodeling because of a fire.

Thanks. I am glad they are doing a remodel too. Was like stepping into a time machine going in there, could use a refresh.

Thanks. I am glad they are doing a remodel too. Was like stepping into a time machine going in there, could use a refresh.

I agree. I went in that location once back in 2012 and it looked exactly the same as I remembered it in 1998.

Thanks. I am glad they are doing a remodel too. Was like stepping into a time machine going in there, could use a refresh.

Agree. That is the location we visit the most. It needs an update. The one on Britton is looking pretty good these days.

Johnnie's has a sign up that they will reopen on the 29th. South OKC location.

I love Johnnie's.

I really like Johnnie's too. It's close to the house and I've NEVER been disappointed in the quality of the burgers and fries. I wish that they had kept the Gelato thing going, but, oh well. (it was fantastic). If Sean Cummings decides to reopen his pub in that little place between Johnnie's and ZT's Cigars (the former KC BBQ etc.) I wonder if some parking thing could be worked out with the fine folks at Johnnie's . . .

Their onion rings are pretty great.

Their onion rings are pretty great.

Not like they used to be, IMO. Too much/too thick onion. Irma's are way better, according to both me and the wife. :p

Landmark building on NW Expressway to give way to new Johnnie's and Del Taco (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=506-Landmark-building-on-NW-Expressway-to-give-way-to-new-Johnnie-s-and-Del-Taco)


Many remember Molly Murphy's, the heavily themed restaurant on south Meridian that featured waiters in character and a 'salad car' made from a vintage Jaquar automobile.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/johnnies060518.jpg


In the early 1980's with a second location in Tulsa and lines out the door, proprietor Bob Tayar decided to try something new: a huge Mexican restaurant with elaborate décor on what was then the outskirts of growing Northwest Oklahoma City.

Tayar opened TaMolly's on NW Expressway near Rockwell in March of 1982 in more than 10,000 square feet of expensively construtcted space, including an elaborate tile roof. Even before opening, there were legal squablings between Tayar and the property owner and landlord.

TaMolly's lasted only a year and a half before Tayar tried another restaurant concept, Bobby Lee's, which in turn failed after a mere 3 months.

Soon thereafter the building became an elaborate nightclub named City Lites and with the local economy reeling from a depressed oil and gas market, the elaborate tile roof was repossessed and the building ultimately fell back into the hands of Liberty Bank in 1990.

In 1992 Johnnie's Charcoal Broiler stepped in and bought the property, opened a new location and made some of the excess space into coroporate headquarters for their growing enterprise.

After 25 years, Johnnie's closed at that location on May 31st after selling the entire property to a developer who is planning to build a new, modern Johnnie's on the site while also constructing a Del Taco to the west.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/johnnies060518d.jpg


Johnnie's had recently moved it's offices to an office park near 15th and Kelly in Edmond.

At 1.85 acres there is plenty of room for a new 5,300 square foot Johnnies with a drive-thru and the 7th Oklahoma location for the California fast food restaurant chain that recently entered the market.

With locations in Norman, Moore, Edmond, Yukon and West Oklahoma City, Del Taco is set to open very soon at 6161 N. May on the site of the former Dot Wo restaurant. Construction is complete and signs at the property indicate staff training is in process.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/deltaco060918b.jpg


The building at 6629 NW Expressway is being emptied and demolition will soon start, followed closely by the new construction.

Johnnie's CEO Rick Haynes told OKCTalk the new location will be very similar to the Johnnies just opened in Yukon, with a community meeting room and a drive-thru as well as a large dining area.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/johnnies060518ca.jpg


Haynes said they have many loyal customers that have been patronizing the NW Expressway for years and they hope to reopen by the spring of 2019 with a new, improved dining experience. Haynes also mentioned that the old building was far too large for their needs and not built for their specific purpose.

The move is part of a larger expansion by Johnnie's, which will open a full restaurant at 2305 S. Telephone Rd. in Moore this July, followed by an Express location (smaller footprint but also serving breakfast) at 6825 SE 29th in Midwest City this fall.

Johnnie's Charcoal Broiler dates back to 1971 and their first location on Britton Road. With the addtion of Moore and Midwest City, the company will have 10 restaurants in Central Oklahoma.

Video of old building on NW Expressway being razed:

https://www.facebook.com/johnniesok/videos/10155982629759822/

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/johnnies080419a.jpg

We used to get food from Johnnies at least once a week. I love their broiled chicken salads. But the thing I liked the best was their homemade French dressing. I have eaten those salads with that dressing since I was in high school. All of a sudden they quit making the French dressing. The salad just isn't the same without it. I hate when restaurants change up things, and the item you really like is deleted and you can't get it anywhere else.

If you're partial to food from the Johnnie's on Britton Rd., better get in there before they close Sunday evening. They're going to renovate that location starting Monday, September 23, hoping to reopen in conjunction with the completion of the boondoggle road construction on Britton Rd. between May and Penn, planned for November. Nobody's actually given us Village folk a year to go with that month - everyone's assuming 2019 - but I can only pray.

If you're partial to food from the Johnnie's on Britton Rd., better get in there before they close Sunday evening. They're going to renovate that location starting Monday, September 23, hoping to reopen in conjunction with the completion of the boondoggle road construction on Britton Rd. between May and Penn, planned for November. Nobody's actually given us Village folk a year to go with that month - everyone's assuming 2019 - but I can only pray.

We’ve said November 2019 since the beginning. The latest update I was given was mid-November for completion. We are receiving a project update from ODOT and the contractor today.

If you're partial to food from the Johnnie's on Britton Rd., better get in there before they close Sunday evening. They're going to renovate that location starting Monday, September 23, hoping to reopen in conjunction with the completion of the boondoggle road construction on Britton Rd. between May and Penn, planned for November. Nobody's actually given us Village folk a year to go with that month - everyone's assuming 2019 - but I can only pray.

They putting in a bar?

They putting in a bar?Ricky Haines was on the Sports Animal yesterday and hinted that Britton reopening will include a sports bar.

Noticed the location in Mid Del area on 29th closed. Don't think it made it a year. The location in West Edmond on Danforth I believe closed a couple months ago as well. Never thought I'd see a day where a Johnnies would close.

Noticed the location in Mid Del area on 29th closed. Don't think it made it a year. The location in West Edmond on Danforth I believe closed a couple months ago as well. Never thought I'd see a day where a Johnnies would close.

jonnies opened in late 2018 in MWC the norman express location closed last year

I paid my first visit to any Johnnie's in probably a year last week. I was stunned.

Big signs saying "we don't offer pink sweetener anymore." "Sides of ranch are 33 cents." Mints are a nickel each. The place reeked of a nickle-and-dime-you-to-death pricing model. My chicken sandwich was small and unremarkable.

I realize it's a burger place, but man, the tenor of the place just oozes "we're hemorrhaging money." And, frankly, there are better options out there right now.

I remember when going to Johnnie's was an indulgent treat all the way back in junior high. A #9 and sharing some onion rings.

I think the problem is Johnnies just hasn't changed with the times. There were far fewer options years ago. Not anymore. It's more of my grandfather's burger place now. It's not even a consideration for us in years.

I remember when going to Johnnie's was an indulgent treat all the way back in junior high. A #9 and sharing some onion rings.

I think the problem is Johnnies just hasn't changed with the times. There were far fewer options years ago. Not anymore. It's more of my grandfather's burger place now. It's not even a consideration for us in years.

I think you're right. Another thing is lack of marketing, modern decor updated food. Taking away condiments and nickel and diming isn't going to win any new customers. There's one or two things of personal nature that may be affecting the business.

I remember when going to Johnnie's was an indulgent treat all the way back in junior high. A #9 and sharing some onion rings.

I think the problem is Johnnies just hasn't changed with the times. There were far fewer options years ago. Not anymore. It's more of my grandfather's burger place now. It's not even a consideration for us in years.

The Urban Johnnies concept was their attempt to change with times. I liked it alot, but it was just in a weird location. Put that up in Edmond/N. OKC and I think they would have more success.

The Urban Johnnies concept was their attempt to change with times. I liked it alot, but it was just in a weird location. Put that up in Edmond/N. OKC and I think they would have more success.

Agreed. The Garage around town and in Edmond, for example, just kills it daily. I really liked he Urban Johnnies concept as well.

The Urban Johnnies concept was their attempt to change with times. I liked it alot, but it was just in a weird location. Put that up in Edmond/N. OKC and I think they would have more success.

the issue Urban johnnies had was that when they opened they tried to charge a premium price for mostly the same jonnies food unlike the garage that has the same price in midtown as in does in the burbs the burger at UJ was much more expensive than the normal jonnies locations ..

also they had very very expensive drink and beer prices and no special or HH eventually they changed the drink prices so you could go there and watch an entire game without breaking the bank but by that time they had already pushed away all of the local residents ... unlike Deep Deuce which kills in just down the street

Permanently switch to the Johnnie's Express model and replace half of the Sonics, please and thank you.

I never even consider Johnnies now that The Garage has moved into OKC. IMO, The Garage is usually a far better experience in food quality, menu selection, price, and service.

I never even consider Johnnies now that The Garage has moved into OKC. IMO, The Garage is usually a far better experience in food quality, menu selection, price, and service.

Gotta agree. The consistency and quality at The Garage is really impressive, always hot, good service... Johnnie's just seems to be struggling.

Gotta agree. The consistency and quality at The Garage is really impressive, always hot, good service... Johnnie's just seems to be struggling.

Funny, I feel the opposite. I go to The Garage at May & Britton and think I paid too much for a salty greaseburger, lame fries and just okay adult beverages. While dining surrounded by families with 9 year olds killing the cola machine and the bar filled with 5 hour a visit stool birds.

Funny, I feel the opposite. I go to The Garage at May & Britton and think I paid too much for a salty greaseburger, lame fries and just okay adult beverages. While dining surrounded by families with 9 year olds killing the cola machine and the bar filled with 5 hour a visit stool birds.

I'm right there with you. I gave away my Garage Sweet Deals 50% off because we just can't bring ourselves to eat there anymore. The burgers are WAY too salty for us. I'm speaking of the Edmond location since that's the only one we patronized.

Funny, I feel the opposite. I go to The Garage at May & Britton and think I paid too much for a salty greaseburger, lame fries and just okay adult beverages. While dining surrounded by families with 9 year olds killing the cola machine and the bar filled with 5 hour a visit stool birds.

Have never been to that location, so I can't really say much constructive about it. I just know the location on I-240 has served us consistently well.

Have never been to that location, so I can't really say much constructive about it. I just know the location on I-240 has served us consistently well.

I will admit that Johnnie's does things that appear to be just dumb. The nickel and diming about condiments are a prime example.

As a long time small business owner, I can say it is easy to get sucked into the victim mentality; that "I am a great, benevolent operator in my industry in OKC, and them evil bastards are working against me and trying to run me out of the business. I have to protect my business and the families that depend on the income I provide them by adding these rules and fully reasonable surcharges that nobody else in our industry is smart, or courageous, enough to implement." It can be difficult to find people that will tell me to get over myself, whose opinion I trust. They are almost always right.

I hope, and believe, that the Johnnie's family have the counselors and customer base required to keep them healthy and happy.

The Midwest City location was a bad location from the get go. It had a tiny parking lot. Access to the drive thru was terrible and the traffic flow passes right by it. This is why multiple gas station convenience stores opened and failed over the years. If they had just waited a few more months Enterprise would have vacated their spot and they could have taken that location. Swadleys will do well there as it will allow more customers and better access.

I ate at the Johnnie's on Britton for the first time in a long time the other day. They have really stepped up their game. The staff was welcoming, the backroom and dining areas looked super clean, and the burgers were outstanding. It also looks like they did a 100% remodel of the whole place. Super, super impressed.

I ate at the Johnnie's on Britton for the first time in a long time the other day. They have really stepped up their game. The staff was welcoming, the backroom and dining areas looked super clean, and the burgers were outstanding. It also looks like they did a 100% remodel of the whole place. Super, super impressed.They did do a complete update when they added the bar area. I'm pretty sure they used the destruction of Britton Rd to time the update when customers had a hard time getting to the building. On my list if places to get back to when we go out again. And I need to say hi to Rick. I graduated from NWC with him.

Johnnie's finally got noticed amongst all of the onion burger joints in El Reno.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWYqQU9yJYs

I remember when going to Johnnie's was an indulgent treat all the way back in junior high. A #9 and sharing some onion rings.

I think the problem is Johnnies just hasn't changed with the times. There were far fewer options years ago. Not anymore. It's more of my grandfather's burger place now. It's not even a consideration for us in years.

You been to Pauline's? Prime steakhouse prices.

Johnnie's finally got noticed amongst all of the onion burger joints in El Reno.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWYqQU9yJYs

I loved the episode, but was a little confused about the inclusion of Johnnie's. But if it's good enough for George Motz, I guess it's good enough.

I loved the episode, but was a little confused about the inclusion of Johnnie's. But if it's good enough for George Motz, I guess it's good enough.

The Johnnie's inclusion is due to how they continue to keep the Hickory Sauce legacy alive; there's quite a history behind that sauce and how it's traveled and evolved (slightly) over the years. History like that is absolutely George Motz's thing. Here's an old article from the Oklahoman that goes in-depth on hickory sauce's legacy: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/columns/dave-cathey/2018/04/08/history-of-secret-sauce-revealed/60532743007/

The Johnnie's inclusion is due to how they continue to keep the Hickory Sauce legacy alive; there's quite a history behind that sauce and how it's traveled and evolved (slightly) over the years. History like that is absolutely George Motz's thing. Here's an old article from the Oklahoman that goes in-depth on hickory sauce's legacy: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/columns/dave-cathey/2018/04/08/history-of-secret-sauce-revealed/60532743007/

Agreed. My confusion was resolved by the end of the episode. I never knew the legacy of that sauce, and was surprised by the story.

Love me some theta sauce. Split T's was my favorite but Johnnie's is good in a pinch.

OMG! Brings back so many memories of all the eateries, beginning with Big Ed's Burgers (multiple locations), Big Big Barbecue (50th Classen Circle now Jimmy's Egg), Vern Echol's Patio Grill--charcoal burgers, onion rings and potato salad,

The Split-T, Del Rancho (multiple locations), Beverly's Chicken in the Rough and Herman's Seafoods you could smell these places within a block of destination.

Also on the eat side Grady's Hamburgers (N. 8th & Kelly Avenue), Buter's BBQ and the old Ice Dock, had the coldest varieties of soda pop in the city, the area is now part of OU Health Science Center complex.

https://kfor.com/news/local/iconic-johnnies-charcoal-broiler-announces-additional-locations/
Johnnie's announced a new concept "Johnnie's Kitchen & Bar." Will be the same menu with a full service bar. Locations are going in at the old Pauline's location in Yukon and the old Johnnie's location on I-240

^

3rd rebrand of the Pauline's location in just the last several years.

Wasn't this pretty much the original concept at that location?

I never went into that location before Pauline's so I'm not sure. This makes it seem like they are trying to go head to head with the Garage.

^

3rd rebrand of the Pauline's location in just the last several years.

Wasn't this pretty much the original concept at that location?
Pretty much. Pauline's had some added home cooking type things that I assume are going away and it will be just the Johnnie's menu.

Good example of food inflation at Johnnies: one caesar burger, two chef salad, one large onion rings, one ice tea = over $45 all in......and I noticed the menu charges you for anything extra (extra salad dressing, etc.).

Sounds like another Urban Johnnie without the atmosphere.

I don't know what they are thinking to be honest.

The original Johnnie's Sports Bar lasted about a year, then Pauline's, so now they are going back to the sports bar?

I gave Pauline's a chance. Twice. Over $50 for two people for mediocre food.

I never cared for Johnnie's either. The Haynes family seems like decent people. They have good promos on tje Sports Animal, but the food isn't for me.

Just my opinion on both of these.

Johnnie's Sports Bar was not a very good location. I love Johnnie's and we go often. Have since they were a tiny store on Britton nearer Western. But the Sports Bar location sucked. I can't really put my finger on why but I went a couple times and didn't go back. And that was because of where it was.

Pauline's was an odd concept. Johnnie's full menu plus home cooked style items plus a bar. Odd combination. Are you a sports bar or a diner?

Even Johnnie's Lounge isn't a normal bar. I'll see what 240 and Yukon look like and if they're truly a Johnnie's with a bar I'll start pushing as much as I can, which isn't much, to change Britton.