Johnson’s Diner Has Closed

- Michelle Snow

One of Orlando’s long-running soul food restaurants has closed its doors for good.

Johnson’s Diner opened several decades ago in a tiny building that could only fit ten tables in the Parramore neighborhood. In recent years, it had moved to a bigger spot near the new Amway Arena, but that also brought about bigger bills.

According to an interview in the Orlando Sentinel, co-owner Clarence Taylor said even though the diner was popular with celebrities, politicians and sports stars, they were about $60,000 behind in rent. He attributes this to a mixture of the road construction for the new arena (which blocked access to the restaurant) and the bad economy.

I never had a chance to eat there, but I do know it was often featured on Food Network shows and raved about.

Hopefully Taylor and his family will be able to regroup and reopen elsewhere at a later date.

Did you ever eat at Johnson’s Diner? If so, what did you think of the restaurant?

About Michelle Snow

Michelle is the owner and editor of CitySurfing Orlando. She also owns Zengrrl.com, is a freelance writer specializing in travel and entertainment, has authored/co-authored four guidebooks on Orlando and Florida, and is head editor/writer at TheDisneyBlog.com. She's lived in Orlando near Walt Disney World since 1995, and still finds there's so much fun to be had in Central Florida.
Scroll To Top