Rick Renfro is the long-standing co-owner of Johnnys Tavern, an establishment he and a partner acquired in 1978. A University of Kansas alumnus, he has successfully expanded the business from a single location into a popular regional franchise by focusing on creating a welcoming atmosphere.
His career has been dedicated to building Johnnys Tavern into a community institution, deeply rooted in the Lawrence and University of Kansas culture. He has cultivated a brand known for being a classic, friendly neighborhood tavern that appeals to generations of patrons.
He transformed a single historic tavern into a successful franchise with multiple locations, which he has co-owned for over 45 years.