Stepping into the world of Johnny Rockets was like a trip back in time. A US-based fast-casual chain specializing in the scrumptious, grease-laden good-ol' diner food that we all have a soft spot for. All from burgers, sandwiches, salads, to a glassful of nostalgia in the form of hand-spun milkshakes for lunch and dinner.
My curiosity piqued by this chain that has expanded well beyond its American origins and found a welcome home in more than 30 countries worldwide. As of 2023, either through wanderlust or a fantastic franchise model, a staggering 258 Johnny Rocket outlets pull in customers, with a little over a 100 dotting the US landscape. You won't be surprised to learn that these quintessential American-style diners have spread their tentacles far and wide, setting up camp in culturally diverse places like Bahrain, Qatar, Poland, the Philippines, Costa Rica, South Korea, Canada, Australia, and UAE, among others.
I found their origin story fascinating. Especially the unique journey of founder Ronn Teitelbaum, who at the fairly seasoned age of 46, switched lanes from a successful men's clothing business to create his dream American diner in the form of Johnny Rockets. 1986 marked the beginning, with the pioneer outlet being birthed in the glitz and glam of Melrose Place, Los Angeles. Creating the perfect patty wasn't an overnight art; Ronn spent more than a year to perfect the magic recipe that continues to define their burgers.
RedZone Capital, a private equity firm, saw merit in the brand and acquired the restaurant in 2007. With this acquisition, the franchise has been able to accelerate its growth into new markets.
If you're someone who likes to further explore before you invest in a meal, I urge you to check out the official website.
So What Sets Johnny Rockets Apart?
Well, let me tell you, the moment I stepped foot into Johnny Rockets, I instantly felt a nostalgic 1950's diner vibe. The retro decor, funky furniture, joyful colors, and all those tiny details that scream 1950s theme are but a few aspects that take you back to simpler times. A special mention of their burgers that are cooked in plain sight, all made-to-order with 100% Angus beef that takes the taste quotient to another level.
And let's not forget the sinful milkshakes, hand-spun and made with USDA milk and cream in an impressive array of flavors. Just writing about it is making me crave some!
Well, they've kept it quite simple with the following categories:
- Burgers (It's a must)
- Starters and Sides (you can't just eat a burger)
- Shakes (Hello, happiness)
- Salads (For those who want to kid themselves about eating healthy at a diner)
- Sandwiches and Chicken
- Rocket Dogs
- Sourdough Specials
- Kid’s Shakes and Meals
- Soda and More
The Burger menu is quite impressive in itself, with 13 different options to choose from, and an array of additional ingredients to truly customize it with extra cheese, veggies or grilled mushrooms to name a few.
For those craving for some green on their plate, a refreshing Garden Salad awaits, complete with seasonal greens, diced tomatoes, a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese, and a choice of dressings.
If you're looking for vegetarian options, there's the Steamliner featuring a 100% soybean Boca burger patty, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, mustard, and pickles, served on a wheat bun. Couldn't have asked for more!
And for the younger audience, there’s a kids’ menu that’s just as enticing with choices as varied as Chicken Tenders, Hotdogs and Mini Burgers, all served with kid-sized drinks and fries. They’ve got it all!
Need A Rocket Delivery?
If you're feeling a bit lazy, fear not. Johnny Rockets has you covered with its own app where you can place your order. Bonus, registering an account garners access to promos, deals, and discounts, making the experience worthwhile. Their delivery also extends through third-party partners such as Seamless, Postmates, Grubhub, Ubereats, and Doordash, which you can check for availability in your area.
My Johnny Rockets Experience: The Good and The Not So Good
The pros:
- Strong nostalgia factor
- Comfort food at its best
- Plenty of choices
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Ease of ordering and delivery options
- Strong franchising model signifies positive brand reputation
The cons:
- Some might find the theme gimmicky
- Menu could expand more on healthier side
- Wide franchise base could lead to variations in food quality