CINCINNATI — The beloved owner of one of Cincinnati's favorite eateries has died.
Camp Washington Chili announced Johnny Johnson passed away peacefully on Thursday, surrounded by his family.
"Today we lost a legend ... He wore many hats in life: Husband, Dad, Pappou, Uncle, Nouno, Brother, Proud Veteran, Loyal Friend, Boss. This was his favorite hat to wear," the restaurant posted with an image of Johnson in his Camp Washington Chili hat.
The news comes more than two weeks after Johnson celebrated his 90th birthday at the chili parlor.
We caught up with his daughter, Maria Papakirk, on Friday, as customers filled just about every seat inside the restaurant.
"We have a thousand people that come out here every day," Papakirk said. "I may not know their name, but I know their faces, and they all have a story with my dad."
Papakirk said, while they're heartbroken, the love and support the community has shown has meant the world.
"To hear how he treated strangers just like family is very touching," Papakirk said.
Johnson's uncle first opened Camp Washington Chili in 1940. He then immigrated to Cincinnati from Greece in 1951 to join the family business, creating a lasting legacy.
Under Johnson, Camp Washington Chili won the James Beard Foundation's America's Classics Award and has been featured in numerous food blogs, shows or magazines.
"He truly is the shining example of the American dream, and I think that'll be his legacy going forward," said Johnson's grandson, Stratton Papakirk.
WATCH: Camp Washington Chili regulars and Johnson's family members talk about his legacy
For decades, Johnson made an impact on everyone who walked through the doors.
Some of his customers have reciprocated that love by making the restaurant one of their regular spots.
That includes Harry Rowe and Dennis Dickerson, who have been eating at Camp Washington Chili for decades.
Both said they became close friends with Johnson over time.
"He said 'I only had two jobs when I got here', he said 'chili and the United States government' because he was in the Army when he got drafted," Dickerson said.
The good chili isn't the only reason the two men keep coming back. They said it's also because of the love they felt when they walked through the door.
"He always had a smile on his face, he was always friendly, and he treated everybody as equal," Rowe said.
Even though Johnson's gone, his family said they know his legacy will continue on.
"In the Greek tradition, we have a saying, 'may his memory be eternal,' and I think he will certainly not go forgotten in the city of Cincinnati," Stratton Papakirk said.
