On The Hook Fish & Chips, a Wyoming-founded food truck brand known for its line-caught fish and chips, has opened its first permanent dine-in restaurant in Johnstown.
The restaurant opened June 27 at 4884 Larimer Parkway in the 25/34 development. The company said the opening marked a milestone for a brand that began as a single food truck in Laramie, Wyoming, and has grown into a multi-state operation with 27 food trucks serving customers in 27 states.
The Johnstown location is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.
From Wyoming Food Truck to Permanent Restaurant
On The Hook Fish & Chips was founded in 2016 in Laramie by University of Wyoming students. According to the company, the idea began with a simple food truck concept built around line-caught Alaskan cod, hand-battered fish and chips, and a mobile model that allowed the business to serve customers in different communities.
The company’s franchise history says founder Ocean Andrew and a friend started the business using cod from Andrew’s father, serving it with thick-cut fries from a truck that could relocate to campus, business areas and community gathering spots.
That model eventually grew beyond Wyoming. On The Hook says it now operates 27 trucks and has served customers in 27 states, while continuing to focus its menu around fish and chips, signature sauces and responsibly sourced seafood.
The Johnstown restaurant represents a new step for the company. Instead of another temporary food truck stop, the location gives On The Hook a permanent dine-in space where customers can order the same core menu that helped build the brand.
Liquor License Approval Adds New Offering
On The Hook is also preparing to add beer service in Johnstown after after the Johnstown Town Council approved the restaurant for a liquor license.
In Johnstown, liquor license applications begin at the local level before being sent to the state liquor licensing agency. The Town Council serves as the town’s local liquor licensing authority.
The restaurant also plans to feature an exclusive beer made by Crabtree Brewing Company in Greeley. The beer will be available only at the Johnstown On The Hook location, adding a Northern Colorado connection to the company’s first dine-in restaurant.
Crabtree Brewing Company was established in 2006 and describes itself as Greeley’s oldest production brewery. The brewery has also hosted On The Hook’s food truck in the past, making the planned beer offering a local pairing for the new restaurant.
New Dining Option in a Growing Corridor
The opening adds another restaurant to Johnstown’s growing 25/34 commercial area near Interstate 25 and U.S. 34, where new retail, dining and entertainment options have continued to develop.
For Johnstown residents, On The Hook brings a familiar regional food truck brand into a permanent local space. For the company, the restaurant is a test of how its food truck concept can translate into a dine-in experience.
On The Hook Fish & Chips is now open at 4884 Larimer Parkway in Johnstown.
