After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and as the saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” So, when Jay McCann and Chris Brogdon grew tired of The Original Pancake House’s famously long wait, they set out to create their own warm, welcoming breakfast spot; a restaurant that would unite friends, family, and the broader community around comforting, thoughtfully crafted food.
Restaurant success stories, however, are rare. With most establishments closing within the first 13 months, the journey ahead was steep and uncertain. Long, exhausting days and even longer nights became the norm as Jay and Chris searched for the perfect location, assembled a passionate and reliable team, and worked tirelessly to develop a menu that was both delicious and distinctly memorable. Yet, with unwavering encouragement from friends and family, J. Christopher’s proudly opened its doors on a cold January morning in 1997 in Marietta, Georgia, earning a humble $157 on its very first day.
Since that milestone moment, Jay and Chris have grown their vision into 24 successful locations across Georgia and Tennessee. If you asked Jay what truly fueled their success, he would say it was the people. The community didn’t just support the restaurant, they shaped it. “…Very early on, a customer ordered biscuits and gravy. When I told him we did not have biscuits and gravy, he replied, ‘This is the South! If you don’t have biscuits and gravy on your menu, you’ll be outta business within a year.’ I promptly added biscuits and gravy to our menu, and it remains one of our top sellers,” says Jay.
Listening closely to guests has remained a cornerstone of their approach. “...We have followed our guests' lead by introducing healthier/special diet items like Turkey Sausage, Turkey Bacon, Veggie Sausage, Impossible Burger, Gluten-free bread, Almond Milk and vegetarian options. Also, for the first time we are testing out alcoholic beverages! Mimosas and Bloody Marys,” Jay relays.
Still, longtime crowd favorites anchor the menu—beloved dishes like the Blueberry Crunch Cakes, “The Benny,” J’s Classic Club, and the flavorful hash skillet “Route 66”. Newer creations, including Chicken & Waffles, Avocado Toast, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, and the Pot Belly Benny, have also secured enthusiastic, lasting fan bases.
As J. Christopher’s looks toward the future, there is no intention of slowing its momentum. Despite the challenges of the Covid pandemic, intensifying breakfast-market competition, and the staffing struggles facing small businesses everywhere, the brand continues to evolve and thrive. With renovations at the East Cobb location and a new store opening in Newnan, J. Christopher’s remains committed to growing its restaurant family, serving communities through service and philanthropy and bringing people together through food, one of life’s greatest joys. East Cobb Restaurant - 770-579-6800 - 1205 Johnsons Ferry Road, Marietta