How Many Restaurants Does JJ Johnson Have?

JJ Johnson Restaurants: Key Takeaways

JJ Johnson owns 5 restaurants in the United States, all located in New York City or Michigan.
His portfolio includes no Michelin-starred restaurants, focusing instead on fast-casual and unique dining experiences.
Major concepts include FIELDTRIP and Bankside, emphasizing global flavors and Southern seafood respectively.
Unique venue Blue LLama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor combines live jazz with Caribbean and West African-influenced cuisine.

Chef JJ Johnson has established a notable presence in the culinary scene, particularly in New York City, with a focus on accessible, flavorful dining experiences.

This overview will explore how many restaurants JJ Johnson owns, including his fast-casual brands, unique venues, and expansion efforts up to 2025.

JJ Johnson Restaurants: Global Presence and Restaurant Count

JJ Johnson currently owns 5 restaurants, all located within the United States, primarily in New York City. His business model focuses on fully owned establishments without franchising or licensing arrangements.

JJ Johnson's portfolio mainly consists of fast-casual concepts emphasizing global and Southern U.S. flavors alongside unique venue experiences.

Region	Approx. Number of Restaurants	Notable Examples
United States (New York City & Michigan)	5	FIELDTRIP (4 locations in NYC), Bankside (Chelsea, NYC), Blue LLama Jazz Club (Ann Arbor, Michigan)

Note: Numbers are current as of mid-2025 and represent fully owned venues without franchises.

All FIELDTRIP locations are concentrated in New York City neighborhoods such as Harlem, Rockefeller Center, Long Island City, and Morningside Heights. Bankside is a single location situated in Chelsea, NYC. Uniquely, the Blue LLama Jazz Club is in Ann Arbor, Michigan, blending culinary and live jazz experiences.

JJ Johnson's concentrated footprint in major urban markets aligns with his focus on community-centric and culturally rich dining concepts.

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Michelin-Starred Flagship Restaurants

As of 2025, JJ Johnson does not own or operate any Michelin-starred restaurants.

His culinary approach favors approachable fast-casual dining fused with authentic global flavors rather than traditional fine dining formats found in Michelin-rated venues.

This strategy has allowed Johnson to build a strong regional presence and loyal customer base through concepts that emphasize value, flavor, and cultural storytelling.

For data on trends in Michelin-starred dining, see restaurant Michelin stars statistics.

Notable JJ Johnson Restaurant Concepts and Locations

JJ Johnson's restaurant empire is defined by a select number of distinctive concepts that highlight his culinary philosophy—flavorful, affordable food inspired by global traditions and local communities.

FIELDTRIP Restaurants

FIELDTRIP is Johnson’s flagship fast-casual brand with 4 locations in New York City: Harlem, Rockefeller Center, Long Island City, and Morningside Heights.

These venues concentrate on rice bowls featuring globally inspired flavors and seasonings, making the brand a popular choice for affordable, quick, yet satisfying meals ranging from $10 to $14 per person.

Known for its community-centric approach, FIELDTRIP aims to offer elevated fast food that celebrates diversity and accessibility while honoring Johnson’s cultural roots.

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Bankside

Bankside is Johnson’s Southern seafood concept located in Chelsea, New York City, within one of the Wonder food halls.

This fast-casual spot provides a menu focused on Southern coastal dishes served in a vibrant setting. Price points here range from $11 to $55 per person, suitable for casual dining with a touch of elevated seafood flavors.

Bankside complements Johnson’s portfolio by adding regional American flavors and showcasing his range beyond staple global influences.

Blue LLama Jazz Club

The Blue LLama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan is a distinctive venue combining live jazz with a culinary menu influenced by Caribbean and West African flavors.

This venue stands apart from Johnson’s New York restaurant concepts by blending entertainment with food, offering an immersive cultural experience that supports both local music and unique cuisine.

Those interested in restaurant owner responsibilities and best practices may find the restaurant owner responsibilities spotlight valuable for managing a unique venue like Blue LLama.

JJ Johnson Restaurant Empire: Conclusion

JJ Johnson currently owns 5 restaurants focused in the United States, primarily within New York City, plus one culturally unique venue in Michigan.

While his portfolio does not include Michelin-starred establishments, Johnson has carved out a niche through fast-casual concepts like FIELDTRIP and Bankside that emphasize global and Southern U.S. flavors at accessible price points.

His approach favors ownership and control without franchising, allowing for close ties to community and consistent brand identity.

JJ Johnson’s growing presence, especially with recent expansions in Morningside Heights and Chelsea, showcases his dedication to culturally vibrant, approachable dining experiences that resonate deeply with urban audiences.

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01. How involved is JJ Johnson in day-to-day restaurant operations?

JJ Johnson remains actively involved in overseeing his restaurants, particularly focusing on menu development and branding.

While he delegates daily operations to trusted management teams at each venue, JJ provides strategic direction to maintain the authentic culinary vision and quality across his concepts.

02. Are JJ Johnson’s restaurants expensive—and which ones offer the best value?

JJ Johnson’s restaurants are notably affordable, with prices ranging from around $10 to $55 per person.

FIELDTRIP offers excellent value with rice bowls priced between $10 and $14, making it an accessible choice for fast, flavorful meals.

Bankside is higher priced due to its seafood focus, with meals ranging up to $55, offering casual dining with an elevated culinary experience.

03. How does JJ Johnson choose new cities or countries for expansion?

JJ Johnson’s expansion focuses primarily on New York City neighborhoods, selecting locations that align with community engagement and accessibility.

Decisions are driven by local market potential, partnership opportunities, and the ability to introduce authentic cultural dining experiences to underserved areas.

04. Are JJ Johnson’s restaurants sustainable or locally sourced?

JJ Johnson emphasizes sustainability where possible, sourcing local and seasonal ingredients to support community farmers and reduce environmental impact.

Menu designs often reflect ingredient availability and cultural traditions, though the focus is primarily on flavor and authenticity rather than formal sustainability certifications.

05. Can you book JJ Johnson’s restaurants online—and are there loyalty programs?

Most JJ Johnson restaurants accept online reservations through their websites or popular platforms like OpenTable, especially Bankside.

FIELDTRIP locations primarily use walk-in service and ordering apps given their fast-casual nature.

Currently, there is no unified loyalty program, but select venues may offer occasional promotions or partnerships with local organizations.