What's in the Name: John Tierre
Meet John Tierre, an entrepreneur and owner of Johnny T's Bistro & Blues.
In the heart of downtown Jackson, Mississippi, entrepreneur John Tierre is writing a new chapter in the storied history of the Farish Street District. His flagship establishment, Johnny T's Bistro & Blues, occupies the hallowed grounds of the former Crystal Palace—a legendary venue that once welcomed entertainment icons like Redd Foxx and Sammy Davis Jr. during the 1940s.
The beautifully restored building houses more than just a restaurant; it embodies Tierre's multifaceted vision where design, music, and culinary artistry converge. "It absolutely represents everything I love," says Tierre of his creation.
A Nebraska native who came to Jackson on a tennis scholarship at Jackson State University, Tierre trained under celebrated coach Willie Richardson. What began as an athletic opportunity evolved into a deep connection with the city that would become his canvas for entrepreneurial innovation.
His business journey began with Block Wear, a successful t-shirt company, before expanding into barbershops and salons. Gaining valuable experience in the music industry as both promoter and producer, Tierre then ventured into the culinary world with Norma Ruth's, a popular counter-service restaurant on Highway 80. This initial success in food service fueled his ambition to create something more comprehensive—a full-service establishment that would honor the legacy of its historic location.
The culinary foundation of Johnny T's rests in the capable hands of Chef Brian Myrick, whose background in local fine dining establishments like CHAR Restaurant brings Southern fusion and New Orleans-inspired cuisine to the table. Complementing the innovative menu is an impressive selection of whiskeys and cognacs, weekly complimentary wine tastings, and a progressive craft cocktail program.
Johnny T's stands as a beacon of revitalization in an area that once rivaled Memphis's Beale Street for cultural significance. While recent restoration efforts in the Farish Street District have faced challenges, Tierre's establishment, alongside neighborhood fixtures Big Apple Inn and F Jones Corner, represents a promising renaissance.
Through his diverse business ventures and unwavering commitment to excellence, John Tierre is redefining Jackson's cultural landscape. His unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and artistic vision has created not just a restaurant, but a destination that celebrates the rich heritage of Farish Street while boldly stepping into the future.