Johnny Rockets, the American diner chain, is in final negotiations with a master franchisee to open in the UK by early 2018, MCA understands.
James Walker, president of global operations & development for the group, which has 340 restaurants worldwide, said there was scope for “an awful lot of restaurants” in the UK. He said the brand would not necessarily target London for the its launch as he felt the Johnny Rockets brand already had a strong following.
He said the brand would work in large towns and major cities and motorway service stations were also of interest.
He also revealed that the group has agreed a “co-operative arrangement” with Irish-based Eddie Rockets, which would see the two brands support each other’s growth in the UK.
He said: “We have been excited for a long time about the potential for Johnny Rockets in the UK. You have a market that appreciates quality and service. The key for us is the get the value for money message that makes sense for the British population.
“We are in final negotiations for the UK now and hope to have restaurants open by the first part of 2018 if not sooner. We have a signed letter of intent with a partner and we’re just finalising the details.”
On target areas he said: “A lot of brands go to London because it builds brand awareness. Johnny Rockets already has very strong global brand awareness, particularly through our cruise ships and tourist areas.
“We’ll be looking for good real estate with a strong business model. We know that in London you have the traffic and the personnel but you’re also looking at some of the most expensive real estate in the London.
There will certainly be a point where London makes sense but whether that’s on day one or further down the line is to be seen.
There’s strong potential for an awful lot of restaurants. We’re looking at all the major metropolitan areas but also markets like Hull and Dover that could support a Johnny Rockets as well as an aggressive highway system.”
