JOHNSON'S RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT - Key Persons


Chris Hughes

Job Titles:
  • Sales Associate
Chris Hughes has proudly been with Johnson's Restaurant Equipment, INC for twenty-three years. Chris Hughes is our number one salesman in all NJ. beach towns. We thank Chris for his ability to conquer most of the LBI region and beyond. Chris has endless knowledge of the hospitality industry as he has worked as a bartender for many years while consecutively working for JRE. When Chris is not at work, he is our philanthropic spokesperson at as many charitable golf outings as he can find!

Dion Torakis

Job Titles:
  • Sales and Design
For over seven years Dion Torakis worked long crazy nights on the Jersey Shore in one of the most popular nightclubs. From here he learned the fundamentals of the restaurant industry which made his transition to Johnson's Restaurant Equipment, INC. one of the easiest and best decisions of his life. Dion was granted this opportunity at Johnson's when he met his now wife Denise, daughter of Robert Johnson. Dion has specialized in the large equipment sales and kitchen design for over 22 years now. When Dion is not at work he enjoys taking long romantic walks from his couch to his refrigerator.

Ed Sasso

Job Titles:
  • Sales and Design
Ed Sasso has been with Johnson's Restaurant Equipment, INC. for over twenty-five years. He began his employment under Bob Johnson as a delivery driver. Ed was a childhood friend of Bob Johnson's successor, our current President Joseph Marchese. Ed thrives on his opportunity and ability to ensure every client has the highest customer satisfaction. He personally guarantees that everyone receives the utmost positive experience from start to finish. When Ed is not at work, he is diligently watching cooking shows to keep up to date on all the hottest food and hospitality trends in the industry!

Jason McManmon

Job Titles:
  • Sales Associate
Looking for a way to apply his skills and knowledge from years in the restaurant industry, Jason was given an opportunity to interview at Johnson's Restaurant Equipment INC. through a long working relationship between President Joe Marchese and his now late father John. Jason was hired in 2018 as a warehouse worker, cashier, and delivery driver. Following in the sales legacy of his father, Jason now works directly with some of the best restaurants in Monmouth County; expanding their tabletop lines, opening new locations, and building and expanding the relationships started by his predecessors at Johnson's. When Jason's not at work he spends his time watching "Naked and Afraid" re-runs.

Joseph Marchese - President

Job Titles:
  • President
  • President of Johnson 's Restaurant Equipment, INC
In 2015 Joseph Marchese became the president of Johnson's Restaurant Equipment, INC. Joseph started with the company in 1994 under our founder Robert Johnson. In a few short years Joe grew the business into what is today. Bob Johnson had a vision and Joe made that vision come to life. Today, Johnson's Restaurant Equipment, INC. is a one stop shop for all restaurant needs from paper supplies to large equipment. Joe Marchese has grown this family owned and operated business to service the tristate area and more. His accomplishments and knowledge of the industry are infinite. The greatest success Joe Marchese has achieved is the admiration, respect, and love from his friends, family, and his employees. When Joe is not making his ideas come to light, he is many miles into the sea fishing and envisioning ways to better the ones around him and this industry as a whole.

Kimberly Tadrick

Kimberly Tadrick is currently a resident of Brick NJ. She has worked for Johnson's Restaurant Equipment, INC. in the accounts payable department for almost 2 years. Kim is known in the office as one of the nicest people to work with. She loves cooking, so working at Johnson's and being surrounded by all the latest gadgets and equipment is a very exciting and perfect fit for her. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, shopping, and of course cooking!

Robert W. Johnson - Founder

Job Titles:
  • Founder
Robert W. Johnson, Jr. started this business as a sole proprietorship. Beginning in 1977, Bob bought used and new equipment from auctions and sales and sold it out of the back of his van every weekend. Bob originally opened Johnson's Restaurant Equipment in Asbury Park, NJ. With years of dedication and ambition, Bob grew Johnson's into what it is today single-handedly. Bob had motivation, drive, and vision for the future; none of us would be here today without him. In 1982 Bob Johnson manufactured Johnson's Restaurant Equipment, INC. into a full-service supplier of commercial foodservice equipment, small wares, and related products. We have provided services to restaurants, hotels, schools, universities, hospitals, general contractors, and assisted living communities for decades.

Walter Rieger

Job Titles:
  • Sales and Design
Walter Rieger has been with the family-owned company, Johnsons Restaurant Equipment, INC. since 2014. He was born & raised in Tom's River, New Jersey & currently reside in Bayville, New Jersey with his wife and dog. Walter specializes in sales and design. When consulting with his clients, he can always ensure their needs and all deliverables are fully attained. From large industrial kitchens to basement bars, he has done it all. Walter takes pride in all details of his work to make sure every aspect is carefully planned and flawlessly executed from the initial design consultation to the grand opening. When Walter is not at work, you can find him practicing every superstition one can think of to help support the Pittsburg Steelers to their next Super Bowl win.