Mediterranean Island of Cyprus to Be New Home of Johnny Rockets Restaurants

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Artisan Food & Beverage Group LTD Gains Franchising Rights for Restaurant Chain

LAKE FOREST, CA--(Marketwire) - Cyprus, the Mediterranean's third largest island, and one of its most popular tourist destinations, is the newest Home of the Original Hamburger, Johnny Rockets. The first Johnny Rockets restaurant will open in the Famagusta District, a celebrated tourist area and home of the largest university on the island, in September 2009. The terraced, 3,500 square-foot, full-service restaurant will offer American favorites including juicy hamburgers, classic sandwiches and hand-dipped shakes and malts.

Holding exclusive Johnny Rockets franchising rights in Cyprus, Artisan Food and Beverage Group LTD's Parent Company is currently constructing a new commercial tower and five-star boutique hotel and leisure center on the island. Their hospitality consultants short-listed Johnny Rockets as a brand that would enhance their new lifestyle facility -- which includes a twelve-lane bowling center.

"After exploring several brands with our consultant, we decided Johnny Rockets offered the authentic family-focused American culture that Cypriots, the student community and tourists will appreciate," said Batur Sonya, Managing Director for Artisan Food and Beverages Group. "We believe Johnny Rockets will be a value-added partner in our new food and beverage division," he added.

According to Steve Devine, Senior Vice President of International Development for Johnny Rockets, "Ours is a unique concept blending fresh American cuisine and culture. Our menu offers some universally popular food items not readily available in Cyprus and other countries... which is exactly why our global expansion continues to be so strong."

Artisan Food and Beverage Group LTD is part of a local family business specializing in commercial and residential real estate, property development, property management and construction. They recognize that, with dense demographics, a university consisting of students from 52 countries and a large tourist influx during the summer, Cyprus represents a fast-growing, diverse population.

Adds Sonya, "We believe the brand is well positioned to provide a new and fresh concept to Cyprus. We plan to open up to four Johnny Rockets restaurants, including one in the capitol, within our commercial tower, and an express-style restaurant in our hotel's leisure center food court."

Johnny Rockets is currently looking to franchise nearby areas, including Libya and countries within the Balkan Peninsula.

About Johnny Rockets

Since 1986, Johnny Rockets has offered the food, fun and friendliness that remind guests of timeless, feel-good Americana. Every Johnny Rockets restaurant serves simple, great-tasting food from a menu of all-American favorites, including juicy hamburgers, classic sandwiches and hand-dipped shakes and malts. It's the place to go for fast, friendly service, flavorful food, uplifting music and relaxed, casual fun. Headquartered in Lake Forest, Calif., Johnny Rockets has 274 corporate and franchise-owned restaurants in 29 states and 11 countries, including those found in Six Flags amusement parks and aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Johnny Rockets is currently franchising new restaurants in most markets.

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