Johnny's Restaurant
Southern restaurant (US) · Homewood ·
Southern & Greek fusion eats, including BBQ, meatballs, and grit cakes
Southern & Greek fusion eats, including BBQ, meatballs, and grit cakes
"An Alabama restaurant run by chef Timothy Hontzas became the center of a high-profile ethics controversy after an anonymous report led to an investigation and his removal from consideration for a national chef award. Allegations included frequent yelling at staff and patrons and, according to a former employee, throwing plates; Hontzas disputes those accounts, pointing to multi-year employee tenure as evidence of a positive workplace. His quiet disqualification—publicized by local reporting before committee members were informed—left him listed as a finalist despite the action, spurring public defenses from fellow chefs and criticism of the foundation’s opaque procedures; one regional committee member resigned in protest over the lack of communication and perceived due-process failures." - ByLi Goldstein
"Every single thing on the plate was so good, I did not want the experience to end." - Alexandra Domrongchai
"If you’re in downtown Homewood and see a line snaking out a door, down a set of stairs, and onto the sidewalk, then you’ve found Johnny’s. The counter service spot offers Southern staples with a smattering of Greek influence, like the “Greek and Three” (lemony baked chicken paired with a choice of sides and bread) that’s considered an Alabama bucket list item. Prepare yourself for a religious experience on your first visit." - Sarra Sedghi
"A Homewood, Alabama restaurant associated with chef Timothy Hontzas and named a 2022 James Beard Awards semifinalist, representing its regional contribution to dining in the Birmingham area." - Beth McKibben
"James Beard Award semifinalist Tim Hontzas serves a playful Greek ’n’ three at Johnny’s, including Greek classics like keftedes and fasolakia with Alabama ingredients such as turnip greens with toasted fennel seed and ground lamb meatloaf."
