By Kathy Chouteau
A burgeoning Richmond restaurateur who recently opened Johnny Boi Smash Burger in the Point is poised to open another eatery nearby, at the former home of the Great American Hamburger and Pie Co.
Johnny Bermudez, familiarly known as “Johnny Boi” these days, has plans to open a dessert-style eatery alongside his family at the 38-year iconic business’ onetime spot, but said they haven’t 100 percent decided on the full concept yet. “It’s still on the white board,” he said, noting they aim to have the name, concept and opening date for the 35 E. Richmond Ave. restaurant set in early 2025.
One thing’s for certain: Bermudez knows how to run a successful restaurant. The 32-year-old Kennedy High School alum now owns three restaurants in Richmond, having opened Masa Tamales & Taqueria in Point Richmond five years ago, a smaller Masa Tamales & Taqueria two years ago on San Pablo Ave. in Richmond (often mistaken for El Cerrito); and Johnny Boi, also in the Point, just recently.
While the two Masa restaurants offer Mexican menus inspired by Bermudez’s mother’s home cooking—including the tamales, burritos and more once served via a foot cart around Richmond—Johnny Boi has its roots in the restauranteur’s childhood. “I’ve been smashing burgers since I was 10 years old,” he said, referencing the new eatery’s menu of flavorful smash burgers, fries, shakes and more.
Plans are in the works to make some positive changes at Masa in the Point too, said Bermudez. Around the same time the new eatery is finalizing its concept in early 2025, Masa will make updates that will enable it to provide speedy service to customers on the go.
Bermudez said he derives a lot of satisfaction from giving people the opportunity to have a good job, particularly foreign-born workers. “Treat them well and hire the right ones and they take care of the business and their job. We hire the right team and give people opportunities…,” said the Richmond native.
He also relayed that his family takes high pride in their work and enjoys what they do. Bermudez, who first felt drawn to his calling as a teenager, added that he enjoys living every day like it’s his favorite day of the week—Friday. “I get the opportunity to bring people together at one table, from wherever they’re at and I get to share that experience with them.”
