A TASTE OF CHICAGO “ON TAP” FOR CASPER

Local resident and 26- year Restaurant veteran John Johnson has added Old Chicago to his Johnson Restaurant Group portfolio.   As a 28 year old "friendly neighborhood establishment", Old Chicago has a full menu specializing in deep dish, stuffed and thin crust pizza.  Old Chicago also offers 110 imported, domestic and craft beers.

Old Chicago , located at 3850 E. 2nd St. in Casper , officially opened to the public on Monday, October 18, 2004 .  All proceeds and donations from Old Chicago's pre-opening invitation parties were donated to Habitat for Humanity in the Casper area.  The pre-opening parties allowed patrons to sample various food items and beers, and raised more than $6700.

“I am excited to bring great food & service that are synonymous with the Old Chicago brand to Wyoming and introduce local residents to the signature Old Chicago pizza and beer, as well as other popular menu items and our signature micro-brewery,” Johnson said  

Development plans for the state of Wyoming include two more Old Chicago locations within the next four years, with Johnson’s next restaurant slated to open in Cheyenne by the end of 2005.  

As the long-time owner and operator of Casper-based Johnny J’s diner and Eggington’s restaurant, Johnson recently became interested in franchising.  He recognized a need in the Casper market for a restaurant that caters to beer lovers, sports fanatics and pizza lovers alike and knew that Old Chicago provided an opportunity to invest his experience and expertise into a successful, well-known national brand.

With 110 beers, 30 of which are on tap, and its own microbrewery, Old Chicago of Casper is guaranteed to be a beer lover’s paradise.  The popularity of its beer selection is due, in great part, to the “World Beer Tour,” a club that boasts almost half a million card-carrying members.  The club is free to join and rewards its members with prizes and additional incentives as they sample beers from around the globe. 

About Old Chicago
Founded in 1976, Old Chicago is a part of Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc., which currently owns and operates 100 restaurants throughout the United States - 55 "Old Chicago" restaurants and 33 brewery restaurants operating under the names "Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery," "ChopHouse & Brewery" and "Walnut Brewery."  The company also owns and operates “SingSing,” a dueling piano bar concept with three locations.  In addition, Rock Bottom’s Franchising division supports the operation of 12 Old Chicago Franchise restaurants, including the new Casper , Wyo. location.