It’s sad when a longtime Colorado restaurant closes, but things change. For seven decades Johnson’s Corner welcomed diners; it became a new diner in 2025, but retained it’s name.
Black Bear Diner at Johnson’s Corner in Johnstown, Colorado
A diner chain that has been around since 1995, took over the restaurant space that was once home to Johnson’s Corner.
While the old restaurant of Johnson’s Corner is no longer in operation, the Travel Centers of America truck stop/convenience store is still “Johnson’s Corner;” keeping the Northern Colorado legacy alive.
Johnson’s Corner opened off of I-25 near Johnstown in 1952. It was legendary for its cinnamon rolls, and was featured in the Bill Murray movie, “Larger Than Life.”
Black Bear Diner Adds Most Northern Location in Colorado
I’d never heard of Black Bear Diner before it was announced that they’d be coming to take over the restaurant of Johnson’s Corner. Prior to the Johnson’s Corner location, they had four other Colorado locations; this is their first spot north of I-70.
Based out of Northern California, Black Bear Diner is just that: A diner. A diner that really loves black bears, native to California. So, I can see a lot of folks who have a thing about “Californians coming to Colorado” might be big on Black Bear Diner, but to each their own…