Johnny Rockets Splits the Expansion Pie Three Ways

The food giant is set to penetrate three new markets including Italy, Paraguay, and Canada across which 49 new outlets will feature

American-based fast food chain, Johnny Rockets, is scheduled to open 49 new outlets across three markets namely Italy, Paraguay, and Canada. With a number of locations set to open as early as 2016, the move is in line with the brand’s strategy to double its global footprint by 2017.

Renowned for its cooked-to-order hamburgers and hand-spun shakes, its international expansion is due in large part to the company’s strong brand awareness and commitment to providing all-American classic favourites and guests with an entertaining atmosphere worldwide.

Groppetti Holding recently signed a franchise partnership agreement to open three Johnny Rockets restaurants in Northern Italy, which includes the Tuscany region. The company has plotted the launch of the first location in Brescia and will focus on growth in Milano and Verona—two cities new to a Johnny Rockets-style burger concept.

In Paraguay, franchisees Julia Villamide and Claudia Pampliega have secured a deal to develop six Johnny Rockets restaurants nationwide. The said pair will bring the brand to Asuncion, the country’s capital, as part of Shopping Mariscal, one of the largest shopping venues in the city.

Meanwhile, they are also looking to grow the business in other cities, including Ciudad del Este and Encarnacion. Johnny Rockets’ signature menu item—the hamburger—and its various customisable options are ideal for Paraguayan residents looking for quality burger alternatives outside of traditional fast food.

According to a recent NPD report, Canadians are gravitating towards higher quality burgers, a collective demand that helped Johnny Rockets secure a minimum 40-restaurant master agreement in Canada with franchise partner, Lewis Gelmon, who is originally from Canada.

He has extensive knowledge of the local market, having brought various American franchise brands into the country. His team of restaurant professionals is the first Canadian Johnny Rockets master franchisor for the country and they are currently evaluating locations to determine where the first restaurants will open in late 2016.

“With our traditional prototype and new Express and Route 66 models, we can serve guests in various venues. This has captured the attention of international franchise partners looking for a concept that works well in various regions and serves a variety of guests,” said James Walker, President of Operations and Development of Johnny Rockets.