WESTFORD — JJ’s Place, formerly Mario’s, invites customers to experience its updated ambiance and menu.
What began as a joke between coworkers about taking over the restaurant when Mario Brancato retired quickly turned into a serious aspiration. Now, co-owners Josh Johnson and Jenn White operate JJ’s Place together.
The pair had early beginnings at the restaurant: White working as Mario’s first server when it opened in 1994, and Johnson landing his first job as a dishwasher. Over time, the two found a passion for the restaurant industry and Mario’s.
Johnson spent the next 11 years at Mario’s, working his way from dishwasher to grill assistant to owner.
“I started really enjoying it,” Johnson said, “Once I started really sending out food and having people be like ‘this is pretty good,’ I got a lot more motivated to not only cook but also like keep that feeling going.”
Johnson found that he loved the customers and the idea of a friendly restaurant vibe. The same couldn’t be truer for co-owner Jenn White.
After her early days at Mario’s, White started and later sold her own diner before returning to Mario’s.
“I am just born to waitress,” White said, “I just have it in my blood, I love it, every day that I’m here, I enjoy what I do.”
What began as an inside joke became reality in a turn of events neither White nor Johnson expected; they have found that they make a really good team.
“I couldn’t pick a better partner, he’s phenomenal, we have a great time working,” White said, “We laugh all day, we enjoy what we do, and we enjoy making the customers happy.”
The end of April marks six months since the grand opening of JJ’s Place, which was renovated from floor to ceiling.
The restaurant was completely remodeled with new decor, seating, upholstery, flooring and paint. The building isn’t the only thing that got an upgrade; the menu also had a full makeover.
New offerings include the Mr. Truffle omelet, banana Nutella French toast and the home fry scrambler.
As one may expect, though, such a project had its ups and downs.
“The renovating, in the beginning, was super overwhelming,” White said, “You would start noticing, ‘oh that needs to be done, this needs to be done,’ things we hadn’t even thought of.”
However, thanks to help from family, friends and even customers, JJ’s Place is thriving. Owners are proud to offer customers somewhere friendly and relaxed to dine, saying that coming in your pajamas is not only encouraged but a compliment.
“We want you to come in and feel like you are part of the family, like you are at home,” White said.
“We want people to forget the stresses of the real world when they come in here,” Johnson said.
Looking ahead, the duo plans to introduce grab-and-go sandwiches for commuters and a variety of mimosas. They have high hopes for what the restaurant could become and hope people like it so much that they keep coming back.
“I like the vibe of the restaurant, I like the customers, I like breakfast food, I like the mark I can make on this town,” Johnson said.
JJ’s Place is located at 223 Groton Rd. and is open Tuesday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
