After eight years , Johnson moved to Chicago and opened a bar of his own , which became very successful . Now a celebrity , Johnson gave lectures and wrote articles and recipes for local newspapers . In 1869 , he claimed that he had challenged the five best American bartenders in New Orleans and won , becoming " the champion of the United States . " No other source confirms this , though . When his bar burned in the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 , Johnson went to New York City . In 1877 , he bought Little Jumbo , a bar where Thomas used to work . Upon hearing that , the Professor publicly renounced any association with the bar . Their rivalry peaked in 1880 , when Thomas threw a bowl of Tom and Jerry on the floor of Johnson 's bar , calling him an amateur because that drink should only be served when the temperature drops below zero
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Harry Johnson (bartender)