At the age of 15...
A love of all things pizza began in Stratford, Ontario at Connie's Pizzeria with many years inside the Mother's Pizza Parlour & Spaghetti House chain that finally finds its' way to the beautiful little town of Petrolia, Ontario.
Johnny has been making pizza for family, friends & customers for decades!
Having worked every position from Dishwasher to Manager, Johnny brings with him plenty of experience and old world knowledge. Add to this a team led by Lise MacFadden with teachings from World Champion Pizaiolo's from all over the world and you have what many believe is World Class Pizza and Pasta right around the corner... in a World Class Pizza Haven!
It all began...
Mom & Pop Pizza Shop
Rooted in Quality & Customer Service
After working with Mother's, Johnny began to formulate an idea for a theme style shop including a fictional character (that friends and family insisted be named "Johnny") who was perhaps an FBI Undercover Agent or genuine Mafia... all tongue in cheek of course. In 2014, with the help of a partner, his "theme" style shop, "Johnny G's" opened in Strathroy followed by a second location in Petrolia Ontario in 2016. Both shops featured the Johnny G name brand (short for Johnny Goombada - another fictional name) and recipes from both Johnny & his wife Lise. His unique marketing concepts and ideas coupled with his sense of community quickly caught the attention of Pizza lovers for miles around.
Mother's Pizza Parlour & Spaghetti House
Mother of all Pizza Joints!
A short time later, after moving to London to attend Beal Secondary for their legendary music program, Johnny took a job at one of the very first Mother's Pizza Parlour & Spaghetti Houses on Richmond Street. It was here that he found his groove. The team at Mother's was one big happy family. This is where Johnny learned that the business of pizza was really about relationships. Get to know your customers. Make them feel at home and above all treat them like family!
"If you Moustache..."
(Thanks Chris!)
Oddly enough after so many years living and working in places like London, Toronto & Philadelphia he finally found his "home" in Petrolia. He loves everything about the area. Great local theatre. Fantastic schools with amazing programs including Athletics AND Music (TWO of his many passions) and of course, a nurturing business environment thanks to all the other business owners and the town office staff.
Even though the previous partnership at the first location didn't work out, Johnny knew he wanted to stay in Petrolia and make this the home of his next great idea. In the summer of July 2018 "the Stache" opened to rave reviews! Wise Guys Inc. was a hit from the get go! The new theme featured much stronger marketing, many new and exciting dishes PLUS Dine-In including Beer & Wine for those who like to sit a spell and visit with family and friends.
Established Petrolia, Ontario 2018
