Goodnight Johnny's Promises Welcoming Family Atmosphere, High Value

If you’ve driven down Cambridge Street recently, you have probably noticed a new colorful sign on the corner of the Shoppes at Simonds. Goodnight Johnny’s American Music Bar has been in some of our minds since January of last year, when they received their liquor license from the Select Board; the business began building out their space at 154 Cambridge Street several months ago.

John Thibault, who is opening up the restaurant along with his wife, Elaine Zouzas, might be new to the restaurant world, but he’s no stranger to running a business. A serial entrepreneur who has started five businesses, Thibault’s view on running a successful business is simple: “Businesses are about people, team, and filling a need.” Despite the frequent refrains that service professionals are increasingly hard to come by, the restaurant has hired the people to form the team: 80 experienced professionals with restaurant experience have signed on in just the last three weeks.

As for filling a need, Thibault says he and Zouzas, who live in Chelmsford, couldn’t think of a local restaurant with good, affordable food and live music where customers could do some dancing. He hopes Goodnight Johnny’s will fill that void. He’s aware that the restaurant will be competing with the places at Burlington Mall and on Third Avenue, but he’s undeterred. “Music will be our differentiator,” Thibault said, explaining that there will be live music on Fridays and Saturday evenings, with a Jazz Brunch midday and Sinatra performers in the evening on Sundays.

The restaurant’s ambience has been carefully thought out, from the café area where guests can enjoy an appetizer or drink while they wait for their table to an intentionally welcoming atmosphere for all guests, including families. The music won’t be so loud you can’t hear your conversation, says Thibault. Both the children and adult menus will offer great value, drink prices will be competitive, and dancing will be encouraged!

Executive Chef Mike Ravalese, formerly of Stir in Westford, has crafted a menu full of traditional American comfort food that Thibault says will remind many guests of “going to your mother’s for dinner.” Expect to enjoy traditional American staples like chicken pot pie, meatloaf, and even a hot dog.

Thibault is confident his strategy of “great food, great service, live music, and great value” will attract locals and help Goodnight Johnny’s become a regular hangout where guests and staff come to know each other. Expect to hear 70s and 80s classic rock, country, 50s music, and of course jazz and Sinatra on Sundays. If you’re a local band hoping to play this venue, you can get in touch with PB & Jay records.

Goodnight Johnny’s will be having their long-awaited grand opening on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, and will be open for lunch and dinner. Music from Silver Arrow Band will be featured. John and the rest of the Goodnight Johnny’s staff hope to see you there!