With the core mission of bringing visitors back downtown and away from the chain restaurants lining the neighboring highway; Johnson instinctively knew a New York-style pizza always draws a crowd. After failing to find a pizzeria owner who wanted to move to Burgaw he approached Jay Kranchalk, a retired teacher of 22 years. Kranchalk didn’t quite see “restaurant owner” in his future but Johnson thought he might be interested in the opportunity of a lifetime; a turn key restaurant. That’s when Fat Daddy’s Pizza was born.

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Johnson helped Kranchalk in the beginning by finding mentorships with other pizzeria owners. The pizzeria quickly became a town staple and far exceeded their original business goals.