Johnson Brings Hometown Flavor to Local Business

Richard Johnson wasn't always on the straight and narrow. Growing up in Buffalo, N.Y., he got involved with the wrong crowd and lived a life "in the streets," as he puts it. It's a reality from which he doesn't shy away; instead, he addresses it and uses that experience to shape his business acumen.

In the early 1980s, "I got into a little trouble, so I had to move," says Johnson, now a professional chef and owner of Metro City Wing House in Temple Hills. "My cousin told me 'come to Florida, because I don't want anything to happen to you.'"

But once Johnson made it to Florida, he looked for work in the "Help Wanted" ads and realized he wasn't qualified for work. He eventually found a job washing dishes because of its association to the culniary arts. So he's not like the chefs you might see on television: Johnson, 48, is self-taught, having done a little prepping and line cooking while also washing dishes.    

"I knew I could eat," Johnson says. "When I got into it, I said, 'I can do this!' I just wanted to be the best at what I do. My passion for it grew because good food leads to good conversation."

Twenty-eight years later, and it seems that work ethic has paid off. He's owned the quaint Temple Hills location for two years, and acquired it from the location's former owner, who wanted to get out of the restaurant business, Johnson recalled.

He also operates Marlow Winghouse & Sports Grill in the Marlow Heights Shopping Center, a location he's run for 11 years. In 2009, he flew out to Beverly Hills and catered a private party for Sean "Diddy" Combs, a prominent entrepreneur with a successful record label and clothing line to his credit.

According to Johnson, he generates $650,000 in revenue and employs 12 people, some of whom have spent time in prison. As he sees it, giving them opportunities to work can eventually save their lives. 

"It's getting people to change their thoughts," Johnson says. "I want you to look at yourself and say 'I can do better.' Sometimes, you have to give something extra to see great results."