Our Story

Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles – an original concept introduced to metro-Atlanta by notable partners Crystal Smith and Ne-Yo, as well as Karlie Redd from VH1’s Love n’ Hip Hop and Bounce TV’s Saints & Sinners – opened in College Park, Georgia in late 2020. Since then celebrity partners Crystal Smith and Ne-Yo have opened additional locations in Glendale, AZ, College Park, Atlanta, and now open in Dallas, TX!

As the name suggests, the restaurant’s signature menu item is the most popular brunch food in Georgia: chicken & waffles. The hybrid dish that combines breakfast and lunch is made with crispy and juicy fried chicken paired with fluffy and golden waffles. Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles' guests will have the option to customize the famed Southern staple with mix-and-match proteins, plain or bacon-flavored waffles, sauces and add-on sides. Guests can also sip on signature drinks designed to share and served in carafes. Individual beverages are served in mason jars.

Platinum albums from famous locally-bred musicians grace the walls of the restaurants. Ranging from R&B, Rap and Hip Hop, the collection highlights names like OutKast, Ne-Yo, Ludacris, Usher and more. Impressive original pieces of artwork, a mural of Harlem-based Apollo Theater and Insta-worthy neon signage that reads “Everyday I’m Wafflin” contribute to the music scene-influenced atmosphere of Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles.

“Ne-Yo and I aim to make everyone feel at home at Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles, and you never know who you’ll see dining alongside you! Anyone who appreciates music will love the ambiance we created in our dining room, with awards and plaques from Ne-Yo, and some of our closest friends," said Chef Crystal Smith, the creator of the Johnny's Chicken & Waffles menu. “Who doesn’t love delicious soul food, while listening to some amazing music! We hope to see you there.”