Happy In Restaurant closing after 45 years

LEAMINGTON — In June of 1975, Howard and Anna John brought their four children from Philadelphia and arrived in Leamington.

Shortly after arrival, they opened the Happy In on Talbot Street West, where Arby’s now sits today.

The family built the current restaurant at 139 Talbot Street West in 1985 and opened at that location in 1986, with an expanded capacity for dine-in customers.

Some 45 years after it all began, the Happy In era is coming to an end.

June 20 will be their last day serving the customers of Leamington and surrounding area.

The John family, from left Terrell, Jenith, Anna and Steve.

The building has been sold to a local restaurant chain, which will take over the property at the end of this month.

For Steve John and his three siblings, the restaurant became their lives.

Steve stayed in town while his siblings eventually moved away, but the family still gets together at the restaurant as much as possible.

Howard John passed away in 2012. His wife Anna still works in the restaurant to this day.

“It’s a true family business,” says Steve, whose wife and children still help out at the restaurant.

During the COVID-19 crisis, the Happy In has learned to adjust to the times, offering takeout and delivery. Steve says

it’s steady. “We still have people from as far away as London call in takeout orders,” he says.

Those loyal customers are usually Leamington natives who have moved to other cities, but still want that hometown taste.

The Happy In’s original location had a loyal following as well. It was the place to go after the bars closed on the weekends.

Steve John behind the bar at Happy In, in the late 1980s.

“We used to have a lot of fun with our customers late at night,” said Steve. “Those late-night customers just don’t happen anymore.”

They’re grateful to the community for the support over the years and Steve points out that they’ve tried their best to give back to the community as well.

“We’ve sponsored a lot of hockey, baseball and soccer teams over the 45 years,” he said. “Ours kids grew up here.”

When June 20 rolls around, he expects to be inundated with takeout orders from people wanting to get one final taste of the Happy In cuisine.

“Thanks to this community,” he said. “We are blessed.”