Just off the bustle of Tempe’s main roads, across from McClintock High School, there’s a small, familiar spot where the burgers are fresh, the fries are crisp, and the vibe is always welcoming. Johnny’s Burgers & Dogs isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a story of resilience, rooted in flavor, family, and an unwavering love for community.
The Road to Johnny’s
For Yianni Ioannou, the path to opening his namesake restaurant began long before the doors first opened in 2015. It started back in Cyprus, working at his family’s restaurant as a kid.
“That experience instilled in me the importance of hospitality, quality food, and creating a space where people feel welcome,” he recalls.
After moving to the U.S. in 1999 to attend school, Yianni continued working in the restaurant industry—first as a server, then climbing his way through nearly every position in the business. By 2005, he had landed in Arizona and built a career managing multiple restaurant units. But one dream never left him: having a place of his own.
In 2015, that dream became a reality with the opening of Johnny’s Burgers & Dogs, a cozy spot dedicated to Chicago-style comfort food, made with high-quality ingredients and homemade care.
A Devastating Setback
On the morning of December 27, 2023, everything changed.
“I got the call around 8:00 a.m. and rushed over,” Yianni says. An electrical issue had sparked a fire that quickly swept through the building. “It was heartbreaking. After nearly a decade in business, it felt like losing a piece of myself—and the community.”
The damage was extensive. For many small business owners, a moment like that could be the end. But not for Yianni.
Fueled by Community
“The people kept me going,” he says. “Friends, family, my team, the community—customers reached out right away. It reminded me that Johnny’s wasn’t just mine. It meant something to a lot of people.”
Support poured in—kind messages, social media posts, and even fundraisers—including one organized by McClintock High School that deeply moved him.
Still, the road back wasn’t easy. Insurance delays, legal red tape, construction setbacks—it all tested his patience and resolve.
“Everything took longer than expected. It pushed me in every way,” Yianni admits. “But I learned to take it one step at a time. Patience and persistence became everything.”
There were moments he questioned whether reopening was even possible.
“Absolutely, I thought about giving up. But every time, I remembered why I started—and who I was doing it for.”
A Triumphant Return
In February 2025, after over a year of hard work and heartache, Johnny’s reopened its doors. The return was emotional and surreal.
“Unlocking those doors again felt like coming home,” he says. “Seeing familiar faces and hearing people say, ‘We missed you’—that made it all worth it.”
The space got a refresh—brighter, more efficient, with updated kitchen equipment and a few new menu items. But the core remained the same: comfort food made from scratch, served with a side of genuine hospitality.
Looking Ahead
As Yianni looks to the future, he’s focused on growing while staying true to his roots.
“Maybe we expand. Maybe we get even more involved in the community. But no matter what, the quality and care won’t change.”
His advice to other small business owners who hit a wall?
“Don’t give up. Setbacks will come. But if you stay focused on your ‘why’ and surround yourself with the right support, you’ll find a way through. Just keep moving forward.”
A Tempe Staple
What keeps Yianni going isn’t just the food—it’s the people. He’s watched students from McClintock grow up, seen families become regulars, and shared stories with neighbors who’ve made Johnny’s part of their lives.
“Tempe has this amazing mix—ASU’s energy, strong local pride, and real connection,” he says. “It’s a town that truly values small, family-owned businesses.”
And what does he hope people feel when they walk into Johnny’s?
“Like they’ve found their go-to spot. No gimmicks—just good food, kind service, and a warm, familiar vibe.”