Iconic Johnson’s Corner Along I-25 Closed, To Become Chain Restaurant

The iconic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.

AJfCSD
The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.

A longtime family restaurant that serves as a pitstop along Interstate 25 an hour south of Cheyenne, Wyoming, is getting a significant makeover this year, but it won’t be shedding its famous cinnamon rolls.

A popular truck stop and stopover for travelers for decades, Johnson’s Corner in Johnstown, Colorado, has grown a loyal following since opening in 1952. Now it’s closed for a remodel and rebranding as a chain restaurant, meaning it won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore.

As people are wont to do these days, they’ve looked for a culprit to blame for the closure. Colorado’s first Buc-ee’s — and the world’s largest — opened last year just a few miles down the interstate and emerged as a likely suspect.

But the Buc-ee’s isn’t to blame for the shuttering Johnson’s Corner, nor was the closure so sudden for those in the know, said Mike Oster, site general manager for Johnson’s Corner and the adjoining Petro Transit Center, both of which are owned by TravelCenters of America. 

The restaurant was sold to the corporation in 2014.

Black Bear Could Arrive in April

Oster has known that Johnson’s Corner would close at some point for about a year, and said the story is rather simple: It was time for the restaurant to get a refresh. 

“Basically, we’re giving the restaurant a facelift and turning it into a Black Bear Diner,” he said. 

If all goes according to plan, the doors of the eatery should reopen in April, he added.

In the interim, the on-site bakery will continue churning out Johnson’s Corner’s famous cinnamon rolls, along with apple fritter bread and all sorts of cakes — none of which will go away when the restaurant retools and rebrands itself as the Black Bear Diner, Oster said. 

What’s more, the truck stop and gas station aren’t changing, the Johnson’s Corner sign that’s become a roadside landmark will continue to stand and many of the restaurant’s employees will return in April, he said.

As for the cinnamon rolls, they’re still being served in the travel center. The flavor of the month for the cinammon rolls is blueberry. 

Even if much will remain the same, that hasn’t stopped online commentators from lamenting about the change and debating about whether it will be an improvement. 

The chain of Black Bear Diners has a different look and flavor than the one-of-a-kind Johnson’s Corner, with menu items featuring bear-inspired names typically served in log-cabin themed diners. 

The Buc-ee’s Factor

Then there’s the Buc-ee’s factor. The Texas-owned chain known for its massive convenience stores and beaver mascot arrived in March.

If anything, Buc-ee’s has helped Johnson’s Corner, Oster said. Because Buc-ee’s doesn’t have a sit-down restaurant, Coloradans who flocked to Johnstown to see what all the fuss was about ended up eating at Johnson’s Corner, he added, while Buc-ee’s employees also were known to come in for food.

“Cinnamon roll sales went up,” Oster said. “It really didn’t hurt us.”

  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Abby Renner via Google)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Matt Martinez via Google)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Matt Martinez via Google)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Mouhanad Albadri via Google)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)
  • The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
    The historic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu. (Johnson's Corner via Facebook)

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Anna-Louise Jackson for Cowboy State Daily

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