‘Happy to be back’: Popular Johnson County bar reopens after being closed for months

Jenna Thompson
·1 min read

Johnny’s Tavern in Prairie Village has been bustling since it reopened Wednesday, with customers swarming in and out for burgers, tacos, wings and big-screen TVs.

“We’ve been nonstop busy since we opened,” said assistant general manager Blakely Marvel.

The location at 8262 Mission Road closed in early May to remodel after the popular bar outgrew its space.

To allow more customers, Johnny’s took over the Subway next door and expanded the bar and kitchen, Marvel said.

The dining room is now “completely remodeled,” and the location added extra patio seating.

“We’re very happy to be back … excited to see everybody’s faces,” Marvel said.

Johnny’s Tavern in Prairie Village expanded its kitchen, bar and dining room.
Johnny’s Tavern in Prairie Village expanded its kitchen, bar and dining room.

Johnny’s has 13 locations, most of them in the Kansas City metro, including 10384 S. Ridgeview Road in Olathe and at 6765 W. 119th St. in Overland Park.

Johnny’s was founded in Lawrence in 1953 by John Wilson. The 119th Street location opened in 1991, and the business continued to expand.

Johnny’s Tavern expanded its Prairie Village bar to allow more customers.
Johnny’s Tavern expanded its Prairie Village bar to allow more customers.