Johnny Rockets targets three new global markets

Fast-casual dining chain Johnny Rockets is expanding its range to include customers in the countries of Italy, Paraguay and Canada.



As part of its strategy to double its global footprint by 2017, Johnny Rockets has signed agreements for 49 new restaurant locations in those three new markets. Some locations will open as early as 2016.



Groppetti Holding Srl., led by Giangiacomo Groppetti, recently signed a Johnny Rockets franchise partner agreement to open three restaurants in Northern Italy, including the Tuscany region. Groppetti plans to open the first location in Brescia and will also focus on growth in Milano and Verona, two cities that do not currently have a burger concept such as Johnny Rockets.



In Paraguay, franchisees Julia Villamide and Claudia Pampliega signed an agreement to develop six Johnny Rockets restaurants throughout the country. They will bring the brand to Asuncion, the country’s capital, as part of the Shopping Mariscal center. In addition, Villamide and Pampliega are looking to grow in other cities, including Ciudad del Este and Encarnacion.



Johnny Rockets has also secured a minimum 40-restaurant master agreement in Canada with franchise partner Lewis Gelmon. Gelmon and his team are currently evaluating locations to determine where the first restaurants will open in late 2016.