Johnny’s Chophouse closing down as owner enters ‘second retirement’

Retirement is calling once again for John Cavaliere, after more than 45 years in the restaurant business in Sault Ste. Marie.

Cavaliere came out of retirement in 2019 when he opened Johnny’s Chophouse & Bar, located at the Quality Inn & Suites on Bay Street. Previous to that, he retired from Giovanni’s Restaurant, where he was a founding owner.

On Monday, Cavaliere announced on Facebook that Johnny’s Chophouse & Bar would be closing, effective Feb. 17.

In a Facebook post, Cavaliere thanked the many customers, visitors and friends who came to the restaurant over the years.

“It truly has been our pleasure to serve you and I am forever grateful for your patronage,” said Cavaliere in the post.

Until the Feb. 17 closing, the restaurant will continue to operate under its normal hours and customers will be able to continue using gift cards for the business. The post notes after the restaurant closes the gift cards will no longer be valid.

Dozens of customers and other well wishers commented on the Facebook post. Giovanni’s Restaurant also posted a congratulations to Cavaliere for his second retirement.

”The passion, dedication, and culinary excellence you brought to our community have left an indelible mark,” said the post on the Giovanni’s Restaurant Facebook page.

In 2019, Cavaliere was interviewed about the restaurant’s opening on SooToday’s New in the Sault segment.