Johnny Casserole Opens in the Heart of Northcenter

David Bryson began his cooking career in Northcenter, so he said it feels fitting to be opening his first sit-down cafe back in the neighborhood. 

Johnny Casserole, a business venture that started three years ago as a casserole delivery service, opened its doors Monday at 4019 N. Damen Ave.

“Coming back home and having my own space, it’s like it’s all full circle,” Bryson said. “I plan to be here quite a while.”  

Bryson received a bit of notoriety when he started delivering casseroles to homes a few years ago. In the Chicago Reader he said he didn’t think a restaurant focused on the one-pot dish would work at the time. 

But finding the space in the neighborhood's former Espresso Thy Art cafe was perfect. And Bryson said he was lucky to get it—There was already an espresso machine, a pizza oven and a nice back patio that can seat 24.

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Johnny Casserole started as an idea for a food truck but Bryson didn’t have the funding. The home delivery service stayed relatively small and he took a hiatus to work other jobs, including driving food trucks in the city.

The restaurant will feature salads, soups, coffee and more. The focus, though, is of course, on the casserole. 

What makes it so special? For one, Bryson said he puts an emphasis on quality local and fresh ingredients. He loves seeing farmers markets pop up and independent coffee shops return.

“We eat like crap,” he said. “We’re addicted to all that sugar and salt and processed food and flavoring. We want to have something made by scratch.”

The concept is also a nod to his love for history. Bryson was planning to be a history teacher, he said. He still learns about history through food. 

He has a passion for regional cuisine and representing that through his recipes. The menu features a Shepherd’s Pie, a jambalaya and lots more, and Bryson said he’ll be playing around to introduce more, such as an enchilada.

The delivery service will remain, and customers can also pick up a casserole to go. The dine-in option will offer casseroles to share or daily featured slices. 

Johnny Casserole will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and will close at 8 p.m. Sundays.

“Most every culture has a casserole of some sort Whether it’s called a casserole or not, it’s still a casserole,” Bryson said. “It’s getting back to our grandparents and great-grandparents, it’s what they used to eat. Casseroles bring people together.”

Check out the Johnny Casserole website or like its page on Facebook.