56 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {food coloring} In the heart of downtown Half Moon Bay, an old favorite has made a comeback. Once one of the town’s oldest and most popular restaurants, Original Johnny’s closed for good in 2006. Now, the classic diner is back in its original spot on Miramontes and Main Street, and locals have restaurateur Betsy del Fierro to thank for its return. Born and raised in Honolulu, Betsy’s welcoming Hawaiian spirit and sense of ohana (family) is in everything she does. She and her husband, George, raised their three grown children in Half Moon Bay and have owned and operated the restaurant It’s Italia here for 26 years. “The vibe in Half Moon Bay reminds me of the people in Hawaii,” she says lovingly. “There’s a closeness. We all know each other. We stick together and support each other more than lots of other places I’ve been.” So, to honor the town she loves, Betsy decided to bring back their favorite watering hole. The first incarnation of Original Johnny’s was opened in the 1960s by John and Fiorina Evans. They then passed the diner on to their son Steve and his wife Ilva in the ABOVE (right): Half Moon Bay restaurateur Betsy del Fierro (center) with her daughters Camille (general manager) and Maile (head chef).
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