By Chris Yow
Editor
TRUSSVILLE — Johnny Bruce is no stranger to the restaurant business. He’s been in it since 1992, in fact. The former Banks High School football star turned business owner has seen his share of restaurants come and go, but this time it’s different.
“I’m 51 years old,” Bruce said. “This is my last shot.”
Before, Bruce had partners involved in several of his businesses, but now he’s on his own, and that’s how he likes it.
“This one’s on me,” he said. “If I succeed or fail, it’s all on me.”
JB’s Place will open at 8925 Gadsden Hwy. in Trussville this week full time. The restaurant has had a soft opening for a little over two weeks now to train staff.
“I didn’t want to influx this place too much at first,” Bruce said. “I wanted to get everyone trained and prepared before we opened. Now I’m ready to get this thing going.”
The restaurant features a culinary chef, who specialized in a Southern-infused Tex-Mex style.
“I want to focus on him here, and not me,” Bruce said. “I want this to be a restaurant more than a bar.”
Although a restaurant is the main focus, there is a sports bar feel to the place with 65-inch televisions around the room and a stage for live music and karaoke. He’ll also have a projector screen for ball games as well.
Bruce said he will open on Sunday as well with a brunch special and meat and vegetables to add another option for those looking for after church dinner.
“I really want to cater to everybody,” Bruce said. “I want this place to be somewhere where everybody feels comfortable.”