Published: November 06, 2009 10:52 pm      

More downtown dining? Johnnie’s site may house another restaurant, building owner says

JOHNSTOWN — Though a downtown Johnstown landmark closed six months ago, it has not yet been put up for sale.

But the owner of Johnnie’s Restaurant and Lounge at 415 Main St. says he fully expects that the longtime eatery will reopen at some point.

He’s just not ready to say when or how that will happen.

“It may take a few months, maybe more, to make a decision,” said John Roger Corcoran of Westmont.

Johnnie’s gained a loyal following largely due to the efforts of its former owner,

M. John Mavrodis, who operated the restaurant for nearly 40 years. Mavrodis retired in March 2008, and Tim Corcoran took over.

Corcoran closed Johnnie’s in May, citing a sharp downturn in business.

A bright orange placard announcing a liquor license transfer recently was posted in the business’ window – usually a sign of renewal for a closed restaurant.

But John Roger Corcoran says it is only a technicality: He is taking ownership of the liquor license from his son, Tim.

The elder Corcoran says he already owns the building. And he says he is laying the groundwork for Johnnie’s to eventually reopen.

“Clearly, it needs a liquor license if it’s going to be a full-service restaurant,” he said.

Corcoran has not ruled out eventually selling the building, if that is what’s necessary for a new restaurant to open there.

But he also said he might retain ownership and lease the first-floor storefront to a restaurateur.

“I do have at least one person in mind for that type of situation,” he said.

Bo Moore’s Downtown Music continues to operate on the building’s second floor.

Corcoran said he has cleaned the restaurant and would like to undertake some small “cosmetic” repairs. But any larger renovation projects will have to wait until the future of Johnnie’s is clear.

“I’m not rushing into it because of the economy,” Corcoran said. “But meanwhile, I’m trying to take care of it.”