Imagine growing up in The Cellar, not a basement, but the upper West Side hotspot that your father, Howard Johnson owned. Picture what it must have been like to be Black Restaurant Royalty, hosting the likes of Muhammad Ali and Bianca Jagger.
Brad Johnson, second generation restaurateur and 40-year restaurant industry veteran, started off washing dishes for his dad, but quickly made a name of his own, opening one star-studded favorite after another, including The Roxbury, Georgia, Post & Beam and Willie Jane. 
But what would you do if due to a pandemic and a cultural reckoning, the restaurant industry was experiencing the biggest losses of the century, and Black owned businesses were faring worst of all. Would you cash in your chips and retire from the restaurant game? Or would you select a new venture and put all your money on Black?
More From Brad Johnson:
Visit his site: www.postaandbeamhospitality.com
Finding Brad Johnson:
Facebook: Brad Johnson
LinkedIn: Post & Beam
Be sure not to miss our new Now Normal series releasing every Thursday.
If you'd like to ask a question for either the Dear Laura segment or of an upcoming guest on Now Normal, be sure to join our Facebook Group .
You can also DM us on instagram @theonlyoneintheroom or email us via the website www.theonlyonepod.com.
Also visit the website for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins such as live events, appearances, featured articles and more.
Don't miss our bonus after show Scott Talks, where co-host and producer Scott Slaughter (aka Hon) briefly chops it up with our guest immediately after the interview.
*If you know someone who might be feeling like they're the "Only One" be sure to share this or one of our other unique episodes with them. Also be sure to subscribe, comment and review us on iTunes!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices