Monday, June 2, 2014

Johnny Rockets looks to expand in Charlotte

California-based Johnny Rockets says it's looking to expand into Charlotte and across North Carolina, adding another potential burger player to the region.

The company has one North Carolina location, at Harrah's Cherokee Casino. Johnny Rockets is seeking to open more franchised locations in the state, and chief development officer James Walker presented this weekend at the Charlotte Franchise and Business Opportunities Show.

"North Carolina has always been a target state for expansion due to the need for more restaurants within its metropolitan areas," said Walker, in a statement. "In particular, Charlotte has become a booming destination for families to live, work and visit. With its various malls, shopping centers, arenas and amusement parks, Charlotte is an ideal city for Johnny Rockets due to its flexible footprints and appeal to all ages."

The company is also focused on Raleigh, Walker said.

What do you think of Johnny Rockets? I haven't been since I was on the West Coast, but I recall a tasty burger and a fine milkshake.

7 comments:

Larry said...

Johnny Rockets can be great or they can be awful I have eaten at them all over the country. There was one in Huntersville for a number of years bit it closed maybe 8 or 10 years ago. It was a very good one. The quality of the two in Myrtle Beach sort of depends on the tourists and how busy they are. Not good when they are rushed.

Best Johnny Rockets I've eaten in was in Orlando, by far the worst was in Santa Monica. I look forward to their entry into the Charlotte Market because when they are good, they are great! Now if we can work on getting Checkers and Krystal back to Charlotte.

Mike in Charlotte said...

There was one in Huntersville for years. It was awful.

Unknown said...

Price is high for what it is at JR's. Prefer Five Guys for a good burger if I'm going to pay more than at McD's or Wendy's.

Unknown said...

I've had Johnny Rockets once - in Reno, when I was there for a conference. I thought it was very good. Maybe they could claim a spot in the new building being proposed for 3rd & Tryon St...

WashuOtaku said...

I have ate at Johnny Rockets a few times, they are typically found at tourist trap location, so I'm surprised they want to expand into North Carolina into something more. But, the food is so-so and pricy for what you get; there are burger places in Charlotte that either do better on quality or cheaper in price comparable what Johnny Rockets are. I don't see them doing well long term.

Curmudgeon said...

The food was OK in Huntersville....but the service was always bad. Absentee franchisee I would guess.
They don't bring anything unique or special to the burger market. 5 guys or CharGrill in Davidson do a much better job.

Benita Blocker said...

If they come back into the Charlotte metro market, then they need to be located next to Red Robin, Five Guys, or a Fuddruckers. That way, they can get the spillover from the burger fanatics.