The Owners

Harry Cohen

Harry Cohen met John Janviriya while engaging in one his favorite pastimes, eating fine food with friends at one of John’s beautifully designed restaurants in Ann Arbor. Being a psychologist who travels the country giving talks to executives on leadership, customer service, and personal development, launching The Black Pearl was a perfect opportunity to blend John’s expertise in designing and managing restaurants with Harry’s love of people, service and fine food. In his book, Secrets of the Obvious, Harry writes of the human need for friendship and a place where people can be surrounded by “good company.” The mission of the staff of The Black Pearl is to create a unique and accessible place where people can gather with friends, family, or strangers and be uplifted by the food, the service, and the beautiful ambience. Please join us for any or all of the above!

Johnny Janvirya - Designer/Concept Developer

A nationally known Designer and Concept developer, Janviriya’s vision is to combine form and function when creating innovative design. His interiors are dramatic and rich in the use of natural elements. The common theme for each of his restaurants is to provide diners with a mini-vacation experience where guests are transformed from their daily lives to a setting of interaction as a form of theatre. Janviriya’s portfolio of contemporary architectural interiors include: Veil Ultralounge, Chicago; Crave, Dearborn; Mosaic, Detroit; Chen Chow, Birmingham; Melange, Ann Arbor.