Johnny Rockets Plans 100 Outlets In China

Johnny Rockets has struck a deal to open 100 restaurants in China over the next decade, the chain’s largest development deal to date. The agreement—a joint venture between AUM Hospitality, Johnny Rockets’ franchisee in Malaysia and Parkson Retail Group Ltd., a Malaysian department store operator with about 60 stores in China—marks a major overseas expansion for the 1950s-themed burger chain.

The focus will be on opening Johnny Rockets in Parkson-owned malls, as well as other malls and retail centers in Shanghai and Beijing, the company said. The first unit is expected to open in 2016.

Aliso Viejo, Calif.-based Johnny Rockets, owned by Sun Capital Partners since 2013, has 330 corporate and franchise-owned restaurants in 32 states and 27 countries. Its franchise partners currently operate more than 125 restaurants outside of the U.S. Its Asian footprint includes locations in Malaysia, Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines.