Tag: Johnny Rockets

  • Fatburger to buy Johnny Rockets

    Fatburger to buy Johnny Rockets

    Fatburger’s parent, Fat Brands, is to acquire the US restaurant chain Johnny Rockets. The acquisition, worth about US$25 million, is expected to be completed this September.

    Founded in 1986, Johnny Rockets is known for its 1950s diner-style decor, serving hamburgers, sandwiches, hand-spun shakes and malts. The restaurant chain operates more than 325 locations across more than 25 countries.

    “Similar to Fatburger, Johnny Rockets got its start in Los Angeles, and we couldn’t be more pleased to add another true staple in our home city to our portfolio,” said Andy Wiederhorn, president and CEO at Fat Brands. “This acquisition is a transformative event for Fat Brands in terms of scale and brand awareness. We see a lot of synergy with Johnny Rockets and our current restaurant concepts and we are eager to take the brand to new heights.”

    The acquisition of Johnny Rockets will increase the number of Fat Brands’ franchised and company-owned restaurants to more than 700 with annual system-wide sales exceeding US$700 million, according to the company.

    Fat Brands currently owns eight restaurant chains, including Fatburger, Buffalo’s Cafe, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Elevation Burger, and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises more than 375 units worldwide.

  • Johnny Rockets Philippines expands

    Johnny Rockets Philippines expands

    Johnny Rockets Philippines has opened a new restaurant in the Ayala Fairview Terraces Mall, Quezon City.

    “With its all-American fare and friendly service, Johnny Rockets is unlike any other restaurant concept in the area,” said Dr Amable Aguiluz IX, franchise owner of the Quezon City Johnny Rockets.

    “We have seen great success with our current Johnny Rockets locations in Quezon City, which has provided us the opportunity to expand our presence further in the area.”

    Aguiluz now operates five Johnny Rockets in the Philippines, halfway to his goal of opening 10 of the franchises during 15 years. The Ayala Fairview Terraces Mall restaurant marks Dr. Aguiluz’s third Johnny Rockets in Quezon City, which is the Philippines’ most populated city. His others are in Mandaluyong, in the upscale lifestyle and shopping destination Shangri-La Plaza, and in Malay, on the popular resort island Boracay.

    The Ayala Fairview Terraces Mall Johnny Rockets is about 113 sqm and can seat 36 guests.

    Johnny Rockets Brought to the Philippines by Dr. Amable Aguiluz IX, Johnny Rockets Philippines is happily serving its customers at five different locations in Quezon City, Malay Aklan and Mandaluyong City.

  • Johnny Rockets to focus on Southeast Asia

    Johnny Rockets to focus on Southeast Asia

    US burger chain Johnny Rockets says Southeast Asia – particularly Vietnam and Thailand – will be the focus of its global expansion in the short term.

    Based on Johnny Rockets’ “all-ages appeal and current success in the region” the company is seeking area developers for expansion into both new markets.

    “The popularity of American culture and cuisine in Southeast Asian countries is the driving force behind our current success and growth in these markets,” said James Walker, president of operations and development with Johnny Rockets.

    “Due to Thailand’s and Vietnam’s customer base and proximity to other Southeast Asian countries where we operate, we see huge potential for the brand in those countries, and we are actively seeking franchise partners looking for development opportunities.”

    In addition to its Southeast Asia strategy, Johnny Rockets is also seek a partner in entering Hong Kong. Earlier this year, Johnny Rockets announced a 100-restaurant agreement in mainland China, the largest expansion in the company’s history.

    Walker says Southeast Asian consumers have “enthusiastically embraced” American restaurant franchises for years, and that has proven true for Johnny Rockets. The brand currently operates in Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia through 14 restaurants and has eight more in development.

    He says Johnny Rockets’ signature American menu, including cooked-to-order hamburgers, crispy fries, hand-spun shakes and sandwiches, coupled with its “Americana experience” appeals to Asians.

    “What we have found is that as the region’s middle class booms, that population segment is looking for and willing to spend more on premium burger concepts. They certainly find that with Johnny Rockets. They also discover and relish our experience and entertainment value.”

  • Johnny Rockets China plan signed off

    Johnny Rockets China plan signed off

    Johnny Rockets has signed the largest development deal in its history: for 100 restaurants in China.

    Johnny Rockets has entered into a partnership with a joint venture between AUM Hospitality and its parent Parkson Retail Group.  The first restaurant will open in 2016. AUM Hospitality is a multi-brand food and beverage developer and currently works as franchise partner and operator for Johnny Rockets in Malaysia.  Parkson Retail Group is a member of a conglomerate based in Malaysia and a department store operator with an extensive network of more than 130 stores, including over 60 in the China market.

    The same companies are partnering in the rollout of 1500 Quiznos sandwich stores across China.

    The initial plan is to open stores within Parkson department store complexes, which will also likely feature Quiznos and other food brands as Parkson builds a food-anchored retail concept in China.

    Scott Chorna, SVP of international development for Johnny Rockets, said AUM Hospitality’s success in the food and beverage industry and Parkson Retail Group’s proven track record in operating major retail outlets, made for an ideal partnership for his company’s Chinese entry.

    “Moreover, there is a strong demand in China for American brands as well as a growing middle class population with more spending power. Our partners have a keen sense of consumer preferences and shopping habits.

    “While they will be showcasing Johnny Rockets all American menu including our world famous made-to-order hamburgers and hand-spun shakes as well as our unique signature guest experience that includes dancing servers, they will also be able to offer regional tastes and flavors to our extensive menu items,” Chorna said.

    Johnny Rockets has already launched successful development partnerships in the Philippines, Malaysia, Korea and Indonesia.

    Johnny Rockets’ franchise partners currently operate more than 125 restaurants outside the US and the brand’s global strategy is to double that number by 2017.