Award-winning Chef Todd Johnson to open new concept in Naples

Renowned chef and long-time Naples resident Todd Johnson is once again elevating the Southwest Florida dining scene with the announcement of a new upscale, global fusion culinary experience coming soon to Naples.

“With the completion of our lease agreement at Rumrunners in Cape Coral set for December, the time is right to open a new restaurant in my hometown of Naples,” said Johnson. “It’s a homecoming of sorts as I return to the Naples dining scene where I began my culinary journey nearly 30 years ago. Dana, my business partner and wife, and I are looking forward to reconnecting with the many friends and customers that we’ve met along the way.”

Johnson, who has a long history of operating successful restaurants including Mia’s in Tampa and Aqua Grill, grew up in Naples where he mastered his culinary craft from the ground up. After graduating from culinary school at Johnson & Wales University in Miami in 1994, Johnson returned home to Naples and became the executive sous chef at Chef’s Garden, now Ridgeway. From there, the chef and entrepreneur worked with culinary greats from around the U.S., including Chef Tom Colicchio, co-founder of the Gramercy Tavern in New York City, before returning to Naples to open Bistro 41 in Fort Myers, then Aqua Grill in Naples. Most recently, Johnson was executive chef and co-owner of Rumrunners in Cape Coral, where he led culinary operations for more than 18 years.

The Johnsons are in the process of finalizing the restaurant’s name, location and menu with the goal of opening in early 2022.