Johnson’s Corner, a beloved Johnstown truck stop famous for its scratch-made cinnamon rolls, restaurant and memorable appearance in the 1996 film “Larger than Life,” is temporarily closing its doors for remodeling as it prepares to reopen as a .
“Johnson’s Corner is not closing its doors. We are not just abruptly leaving, we’re just remodeling our restaurant,” said Johnson’s Corner General Manager Eric Quintana on a phone call with The Post about the closing.
The restaurant is now completely closed and will be torn down, according to Quintana.
“The whole thing will be remodeled, including the kitchen, all the bathrooms in the restaurant side, they’re taking flooring out and redoing lighting,” he said. “It’s freshening up the whole entire side.”
As it transitions into a Black Bear Diner, a small chain that serves home-style comfort food classics and features custom artwork focusing on a bear-themed atmosphere, Quintana said the estimated time for construction and remodeling will be three to four months, though the duration is subject to change.
The fuel section, convenience store and gift shop will still be open throughout the construction process.
The travel center’s iconic cinnamon rolls, with more than , are also not going anywhere. They will still be made and are now available at the store. Additionally, other baked goods will eventually be moved from the restaurant to the store side as well.
TravelCenters of America, which has truck stops nationwide, bought Johnson’s Corner in 2014 from Chauncey Taylor, the founder’s stepson.
Located off Interstate 25, Johnson’s Corner was opened by Joe Johnson in 1952 and has since became a symbol of Johnstown’s warm hospitality, as it was a place where families celebrated milestones, friends shared meals and travelers found a welcoming stop along the interstate, according to the Town of Johnstown Mayor Michael Duncan.
“This marks the end of an era for Johnstown, as Johnson’s Corner has been a beloved landmark for more than seven decades,” Duncan said in an email to The Post.
“Johnson’s Corner wasn’t just a business — it was a cornerstone of our town’s identity, and its closure is felt deeply by the community. While itap the end of an important chapter, the memories and legacy it leaves behind will remain an integral part of Johnstown’s history. I’m grateful for the role Johnson’s Corner played in our community, and its impact will be remembered fondly by generations to come.”
The Johnson’s Corner transition is just the most recent significant happening for the northern Colorado community that has been growing for the past three decades. The state’s first Buc-ee’s opened in Johnstown in March 2024 roughly three miles south of the truck stop at the Colorado 60 interchange. The town also has a variety of across its downtown area and the Colorado 60, Colorado 402 and U.S. 34 corridors.
