Kenny Johnson
Owner, Bureau Bar & Restaurant

Kenny Johnson is a no stranger to the Chicago restaurant and bar scene. After graduating from University of Virginia, he moved to Chicago to pursue a career in politics and later started his own marketing firm Lifebrand Inc. It wasn’t long before Kenny took his party and event expertise to enter the nightlife scene opening and running several popular nightclubs across Chicago. As a longtime South Loop resident, Kenny noticed a void in the bar scene in his surrounding neighborhood. In 2010, Kenny opened The Bureau Bar. Later in 2011 he gained ownership of the historic Velvet Lounge. As both establishments grew a steady following he decided to expand into the restaurant industry. Bureau Bar and Restaurant opened its doors in the University Village in 2018. It quickly became a prime destination for casual dining, live entertainment and events. Shortly after Velvet Lounge was rebranded as a new venue – The Sage Room. When COVID stuck in early 2020, Kenny decided to take the opportunity to pivot. He moved Bureau Bar and Restaurant back to where it all started – South Loop. In Summer 2021, Bureau Pizza Co opened its doors to late night pizza lovers in the Printers Row.

Lifebrand Hospitality Group under the leadership of Kenny Johnson, continues to expand and grow with diverse and exciting concepts. Each LHG establishment has an individual personality but a common theme of a welcoming atmosphere and dedication to superior customer service. And that legacy continues on.