Johnny Rockets Takes Its All-American Concept All Over the World

To entrepreneurs and customers alike, the appeal of American brands is, well… appealing. That would account for the overseas expansion of Johnny Rockets, based on an all-American malt shop or diner theme featuring burgers, shakes, and fries in a 1950s environment. A recent article in Restaurant Business took a look at what has made the brand so popular overseas. Here’s a brief summary. The full article is available online.

• Of its 351 units, 178 are spread across 26 countries.
• Locations include Australia, the Middle East, South Asia, South America, Canada, and Europe – and more than a dozen cruise ships.
• The brand has already opened 15 international units in 2019, with 8 more scheduled to open by year-end.

The article features an interview with Stephen O’Connor, SVP for International Business, who joined Johnny Rockets in May to lead the brand’s international growth campaign. “I think we’ll be doing 30 stores next year, if not more,” said O’Connor, who has 16 years of experience in international restaurant operations and development, including work with major branded restaurants in about 50 countries.

The article also includes his observations on adapting to local customs and tastes, the labor market, finding the right overseas partners, and more critical factors in overseas success.