Restored Revelry

A historic Longmont gas station transforms into a dog-friendly restaurant, bar and sprawling events hub

By Kalene McCort

Within Longmont’s Prospect New Town—a community dotted with quaint tree-lined streets and boldly hued architectural gems—sits an eatery and bar with a whole lot of history and nostalgic charm. 

Johnson’s Station, located in the former gas station and lunch counter Johnson’s Corner, opened in September of this year and has since welcomed a multitude of guests craving the enchantment of yesteryear with a side of modern appeal. An influencer-favorite, this fresh haven of tasty eats and refreshing drinks continues to make the rounds on social media and proves just as delightful in real life. 

The Art Deco building, constructed in the 1930s, was moved to Prospect from Main Street in Longmont in the early 2000s, with the intention of being fixed up and made into a pool house for the colorful community. It sat vacant for years, until real estate developer Zachary Nassar saw its potential on a chilly Christmas Eve walk and decided to purchase the dwelling in 2020 to restore it to its former glory. The authentic essence of the white adobe-like landmark remains intact thanks to the handy work of Nassar and his skilled team. 

“Being able to give something a second life—a second chapter—is so rewarding,” says Colton Cartwright, co-owner of Johnson’s Station, who helped bring the vision to life with his business partner Giovanni Leone. “It’s exciting to show city developers and city planners how impactful adaptive reuse can be. It’s easy to get caught up in the regulations and it’s not always the most convenient to try and adopt new code with old—but when it comes together, it’s what gives each city its character.”

The well-curated menu—shaped by Josh Dinar (River and Woods), Steven Queen (Working Title Food Group) and Hank Grant and Justin Riley (Rayback Collective, Improper City)—is stacked with American staples. Classic milkshakes made with Little Man Ice Cream complement a range of top-tier comfort food. Guests can begin their visit with mouthwatering starters from creamy spinach and artichoke dip to oversized pillowy pretzels. An array of burgers, tacos, sandwiches and fries round out the fast-casual bounty. 

In his semi-autobiographical 1957 novel “On The Road,” Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac mentions hitching a ride to a gas station in Longmont that is speculated to be the original Johnson’s Corner. Whether it’s lure or fact, Johnson’s Station has paid homage to the influential author with Kerouac’s Corner Cheese Steak—a hearty offering of sliced sirloin piled high on a cheese hoagie, which is one of Cartwright’s favorites. 

The bar program meets the mark with a vast selection of cocktails and mocktails. Tequila Mockingbird features a frozen watermelon jalapeño cube. A mix of on-tap cocktails include an espresso martini and an invigorating mojito with mint foam.  

Johnson’s Station has become a prime spot for classic car enthusiasts to roll up to for meet-ups. But among the cherry-red Cadillacs and vintage station wagons, it isn’t unusual to spot a Tesla or Chevy Volt. After all, the three vintage gas pumps at the front of the eatery have been repurposed as charging stations for electric vehicles. 

On an upper deck, folks can find a glimmering Airstream that also serves as a bar and take in mountain views and scenes of the inviting neighborhood. Below, the open kitchen gives diners an up-close look at the chefs in action. Covered booths outfitted with fire features and a nearby campfire-esque pit keep guests toasty during chillier months. 

“The community has been so welcoming,” Cartwright says. “It’s been super fun to get the doors open. It’s a unique offering for Longmont and especially for Prospect.” 

While Johnson’s Station boasts plenty of fanfare with arcade games, cornhole, a variety of event pop-ups, live music, trivia and a steady selection of canines joining their owners for a fun day out, the former gas station also provides desired respite and a place to reflect. Remote workers can savor a cup of cold brew coffee and set up shop on the upper level.

Throughout its 11 hours of daily operation—from 11 a.m. to 10p.m.—the eatery welcomes a range of different people and takes on many different vibes—much like the original Johnson’s Corner that served as a pit stop to travelers to refuel and replenish between commuting. 

“Literally, you could have 10 different dining experiences here,” Cartwright says. “We want people to embrace being comfortable and treat the space like it’s your backyard or like you are at a barbeque. We encourage people to go around and explore the nooks and crannies.”

While a new crop of fans have clocked hours sipping cocktails on Johnson’s Station’s green turf, the community hub has also welcomed in patrons of the original Johnson’s Corner who are eager to reminisce about the old days and take in the quirky aesthetic of the reinvented digs.

From pet adoption events to yoga classes, Johnson’s Station remains a consistent host to a variety of happenings. Given the ample space, Johnson’s Station is also ideal for holiday company parties and already has its first wedding reception scheduled for 2025.

Near the back of Johnson’s Station, visitors are greeted by an eye-catching mural of serene blue buffalos by Max Coleman, a.k.a. Oak Bloak. An ongoing partnership with Firehouse Art Center keeps a rotating selection of original art—all available for purchase—on the walls. 

“Whatever we can do to support makers, we will,” Cartwright says. “We are trying to be as collaborative with the local community as we can be.” 

For more, visit johnsonsstation.com, and follow along on Instagram @johnson_station. 1111 Neon Forest Cir., Longmont. Open daily from 11am-10pm.