Exploring Life & Business with John Tierre of Johnny T’s Bistro & Blues

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Tierre

Hi John, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Tierre grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, where he excelled in tennis. He came to Jackson to play tennis for Jackson State University under their legendary tennis coach, Willie Richardson. Tierre fell in love with Jackson and has become one of its brightest young business owners.

After graduating from Jackson State, Tierre started his own t-shirt company called Block Wear. The success of Block Wear encouraged him to continue branching out, so he opened a barbershop and a hair salon. He also earned his stripes in the music business working as both a promoter and producer of local acts. Those businesses were closely followed by his first restaurant, Norma Ruth’s, located on Highway 80. Norma Ruth’s is a counter-service place that was quickly embraced by the surrounding community. It’s also the success that inspired Tierre to continue pushing the culinary envelope in his adopted hometown – but he knew he would need a full-service restaurant to achieve his dreams, which led him to the building that once housed the Crystal Palace.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course with any business start up capital can be a struggle. Funny part of my story is my business career was started with a $3,000 investment from my grandfather. He gave me the money with a smile thinking that was not enough money and i would be back asking for more. That never happen

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Johnny T’s Bistro & Blues is leading the way to revitalize the Farish

Street Historic District in Jackson, Mississippi. Before the Civil

Rights Act in 1964, Farish Street was widely regarded as one of the

most vibrant African American communities in the South. But in the

wake of integration, black consumers took their dollars elsewhere, and

white families fled to the suburbs. Businesses on Farish Street became

unsustainable, and the district fell into disrepair. Today, CNN

declares Johnny T’s live music venue and modern culinary experience a “beacon of

hope” for the community.

Its founder and namesake, serial entrepreneur John Tierre Miller,

first envisioned the establishment in 2013 when he found a

vacant building on a long-forgotten downtown stretch. “Some thought it

was a bad investment, because of the area,” he told Omaha Magazine.

“[They said,] ‘Why would you choose there, of all the places?’ … And

it’s been amazing. It’s turned into a tourist attraction —

celebrities, entertainers, anyone that’s visiting the city.”

Those celebrities include Morgan Freeman, who filmed a scene from his

The Ritual Killer at the restaurant. Football superstar Deion Sanders

dropped in daily for lunch while coaching at Jackson State University,

telling GQ Magazine it was his “favorite restaurant.”

But Miller is too humble to spend much time boasting of celebrity

clientele. He says the most rewarding part of this venture is the

opportunity to give back to the community. “Our driving force is being

able to provide jobs and a top-tier cuisine in an

underserved area,” Miller says.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My grandfather was a huge inspiration of mine in business. Also the edcation from Jackson state University. Nothing replaces the on the job experice

Contact Info:

• Website: https://johnnytsbistroandblues.com/
• Instagram: @johnnytsbistroandblues
• Facebook: johnnytsbistroandblues