A decade after opening, Johnny’s at Corinth set to debut new look

Crews had torn up the sidewalk outside Johnny’s last week to create a new patio out front.

It’s been more than ten years since Johnny’s Tavern opened its Corinth Square location, and after playing host to thousands and thousands of local fans during Jayhawks games, its managers decided it was time for fresh look.

Johnny’s closed its doors a week from last Saturday for an extensive remodel that proprietor Pat Roberts said will dramatically alter both the serving area and the kitchen.

“We’re trying to squeeze in about three and a half weeks of work in nine days,” he said. “The layout is the same, but just about everything else will be different. We’ve got new booths, we’ve darkened the walls, we’re adding a big garage door window in the front that will open up to the new patio. The whole place has a much for taverny, pub-like feel.”

Roberts said the restaurant has also invested approximately $30,000 in new television and sound equipment.

The timing of the remodel was set to coincide with construction work to the exterior of the building that is being managed by LANE4 as part of the Community Improvement District renovations under way throughout the shopping center. The roof or the building will have a new gable, and crews are doing extensive work on the area at the front of the building to create what will be a new four-season porch.

Roberts said they hoped to have the restaurant open for business for lunch on Friday.