The picturesque, three-story brick building was built by Mr. George Smith in 1885. During that era, it stood proud and nearly alone on a dusty street. Hitching posts could be seen out front where patient horses were waiting with their buggies.

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Originally a general store, the building was transformed into a restaurant in 1946, when Hiram and Ruth Johnson secured the area's first "on-premise" liquor license. During this time, extensive renovations took place and The Johnson House became known near and far for its fine food and hospitality.  The McCombs family acquired the place in 1968 and opted to keep the historic name The Johnson House. They continued to decorate the banquet rooms and opened the lower-level Paul Revere Lounge for dining.

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One night in 1977, Mike Naughton took his wife, Peggy, there for dinner. Bill McCombs, the owner at the time, approached them. “He said, ‘You should buy this place. You would be perfect,’” Peggy Naughton remembered. “We were not thinking about buying a restaurant at all. I was shocked.”

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But indeed they did buy the restaurant. Mike was particularly intrigued by the thought of changing careers. After he immigrated from Ireland he started and owned a successful contracting business for decades. The idea of becoming a restaurateur was a new challenge to take on. Peggy had grown up working for her parents’ grocery store in downtown Rochester. “We were used to dealing with people,” Peggy said. “We were hard-working people, and it worked.”

 

All of the Naughtons’ eight children and many of their 19 grandchildren have worked at the restaurant at various times. Since Mike passed away in 2006, Peggy has run the place with help from her daughters Mary Naughton, Eileen Merberg, and Peggy O'Callaghan (RIP), and granddaughters. The Johnson House’s many amenities include an open-hearth grill, a fireplace, a baby grand piano (with live music by Sue on weekends since 1985), and three private party rooms. The menu mainstays include steak, chicken, chops, seafood, and many other unique favorites such as Chateaubriand and Steak Stilton. 

 

During the unforeseen mandated shutdown in 2020, Peggy's daughter Mary took the opportunity to improve the dining room from floor to ceiling, complete with walls adorned with plenty of family photos. After over 40 years, the dining room was officially named the Naughton's Lounge to honor their family and Irish heritage. We welcome you to visit us and experience its traditional warmth, rich history, and excellent cuisine. 

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In November 2024, Peggy Naughton sadly passed away. Through the years, Mike and Peggy created the reputation for excellence it enjoys to this day. The family has operated "The J House" for nearly five decades and will continue to do so, but it was Peggy greeting customers at the bottom of the stairs that we will truly miss. May she Rest in Peace.

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Her fierce, strong legacy lives on as we continue to serve our loyal customers, both longtime and new. We look forward to sharing her many words of wisdom with you, as there are plenty!