Beard Award-winning Birmingham chef nearly died at a popular Homewood meat-and-three
Another renowned chef came to his rescue after an errant bite of chicken, he said.
Ethan Parker 
Johnny’s in Homewood is widely celebrated for its legendary meat-and-three menu, but a recent visit proved that owner Chef Timothy Hontzas is just as skilled at saving lives as he is at crafting award-winning Greek specialties and southern staples.
A Kitchen Hero
Chris Hastings, the renowned James Beard award-winning co-owner of Birmingham’s Hot and Hot Fish Club, shared a harrowing story on this week's Word of Mouth Podcast. While dining at his favorite spot, Johnny’s, Hastings found himself in a life-or-death situation when a piece of chicken became lodged in his throat.
"It’s kind of, like, stuck, but I’m still breathing, so I’m thinking, okay, well, I’m just going to get some tea and I’m going to wash it down," Hastings recounted. However, the situation escalated rapidly after taking a drink: "Down goes about half a cup of tea, and I can’t breathe."
Swift Action
With no time to wait for an ambulance, Hastings knew he needed immediate intervention. Rather than risking a random bystander, he made a beeline for the kitchen. "I go into the kitchen, and his [Hontzas'] eyes get as big as saucers," Hastings said.
Hontzas didn't hesitate. He performed the Heimlich maneuver with intense force, lifting Hastings off the ground. After about five attempts, the obstruction was cleared. "He put every ounce of energy he had until he picked me up and wham. And then out came the tea, out came the chicken," Hastings described. Reflecting on the close call, he noted, "If that failed, I would not be sitting here today. I would be dead as a post."
About Johnny's
Since opening in 2012, Johnny’s has become a staple of the local food scene, serving up fried chicken, collard greens, and a unique selection of Greek-inspired dishes. The kitchen is led by Hontzas, a culinary talent who has earned four semifinalist nominations for the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef South” award and achieved finalist status in 2022. It is clear that at 205focus.com, we recognize that Hontzas’ impact in Birmingham goes far beyond his impressive resume.
