Johnny Rockets inks deal to open 30 restaurants in Brazil

Aliso Viejo, Calif. -- Johnny Rockets said Tuesday it has finalized a franchise agreement with restaurant entrepreneur Antonio Augusto Ribeiro de Souza to open 30 restaurants in Brazil.



This news follows recent announcements of the chain's new franchise agreements in Peru and Ecuador, as well as the opening of its second restaurant in Chile and its first in the Dominican Republic.



Augusto is a former McDonalds franchisee, and currently operates Well's restaurants in Sao Paulo. He said he plans to open his first Johnny Rockets restaurant in Sao Paulo in late 2012 or early 2013, with additional locations soon to follow.



"With more than 205 million residents – nearly 20 million in Sao Paulo alone – Brazil represents a tremendous audience for Johnny Rockets," said Steve Devine, president of Johnny Rockets international division. “The timing couldn't be better for us to enter this growth market with our unique all-American dining experience."