Johnny Rockets is slated to open this fall its first restaurant in Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean situated just south of Turkey.
The announcement comes as the burger brand accelerates its global expansion. The 274-unit chain plans to build 1,000 Johnny Rockets restaurants over the next five years.
Johnny Rockets operates more than 40 restaurants in more than 11 countries outside the United States.
But the Lake Forest-based chain is betting that the brand will see dollar signs in more regions, including China, Mexico, Korea and Malaysia.
“[Johnny Rockets] represents an iconoclastic American brand that needs no translation,” said Van Epps, international franchising consultant for Johnny Rockets in Asia.
The company has a 10-restaurant franchising agreement in Mexico City and 12 in East Mexico.
The plan is to build up to 150 in Mexico and 150 in China within five years, chain officials said.
The chain is also looking at expanding to Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, Costa Rica, Brazil, Argentina and Chile.
(By Miki Fujiwara/Staff writer-intern)
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Want to try again, Van? You probably wish you’d been quoted as saying that Johnny Rockets is an ICONIC brand.
I understand business, expansion, line extensions, etc. But, Johnnhy Rockets in Greece? No wonder the rest of the world despises us.
Johnny Rockets is horrible. I’ve been to three different locations, and each time it was a great disappointment.
I agree. Portions are tiny compared to most local chains. And the price value? Steep.
I’ve been to Johnny Rockets twice and both times the food was horrible and i think my waiter was stoned.
Why go to Johnny Rockets when there’s Red Robin or Ruby’s?
Oh thank God! From the headline I thought they were opeining up 1,000 units here in SoCal!! They can take the ones we have and move them to Russia or somewhere far far away. Their food is horrible!!! I have never had anything good there.
After reading the comments, I thought I was the only one that had a bad experience there…food is no better than your local fast food restaurant and the service is no better.
I rather go to the Hat etc.
I wouldn’t say I had a bad experience there, just very forgettable. Fast food burgers at sit down prices in a tacky atmosphere. It’ll do great in foreign markets!
Rockets has a cute theme that would probably play well in some places overseas. Seems like they’ve had limited success around here lately with such a crowed marketplace. 1,000 units is ambitous though.
Iconoclast! I love it! Someone needs to visit dictionary.com… apparently Johnny Rockets DOES need some translation.