Johnny B's of Texarkana opened for business a week ago today on East Fifth Street downtown.
Sheila Crossland, co-owner of Johnny B's along with husband Wendell, has started to get a feel for Texarkana and its unique vibe.
"El Dorado, Ark.-where our first Johnny B's is-is a breakfast town," she said. "Texarkana seems to be more of a lunch-oriented town so far."
Johnny B's decor goes for a 1950s diner theme.
"It is kind of minimalist at this time," Sheila Crossland said. "We'll be adding to it as time goes on."
The restaurant has not had a grand opening.
"We are still discussing that with the Chamber of Commerce," she said. "That is still coming."
The word is still getting out about Johnny B's, and a steady crowd walks in and out.
"Court days seem to be our high point for business at this point," said Jessica Steele, Sheila Crossland's daughter.
"A lot of people don't yet know we are here, opening up early mornings and late at night," Sheila Crossland said. "We have had lots of people coming in and saying, 'We didn't know you were open yet."
Johnny B's is a family-run business. The restaurants are staffed with family, and they seek to make their customers regulars and then family.
"We are a not a franchise," Steele said. "We want to take care of our customers. I have such a good relationship with our customers and want them to be part of the Johnny B's family."
The restaurants are similarly situated in their respective cities, Sheila Crossland said. "We are on the edge of a historic downtown. We want to be part of downtown, part of the city
itself."
Johnny B's serves breakfast open to close, 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and other dishes are available. Visit Johnny B's of Texarkana at 224 E. Fifth St. on the Arkansas side or online at facebook.com/JohnnyBtexarkana. Call 870-330-9471 for more information.