JOHNNY ROCKETS
Johnny Rockets operates retro-style diner restaurants offering made-to-order hamburgers, crispy fries, hand-spun shakes, malts, chili, sandwiches, and other classic American menu items, with some locations serving breakfast, beer, wine, or alcohol, across full-service casual-dining to fast-casual 'pay-first' models. The franchisor licenses the Johnny Rockets System, including proprietary designs, operations, training, and approved vendors, through single-unit or multi-unit development agreements requiring franchisees to build and operate restaurants according to specified schedules. It targets consumers seeking nostalgic 1950s diner experiences with quality comfort food in competitive quick-service and fast-casual markets.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
6% royalty + 2% ad fund
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 58 U.S. franchised Restaurants that were open from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.
* Calculated weighted average for revenue quartiles by averaging the Min and Max values of the highest and lowest revenue segments respectively. Best guess profit range calculated from average gross revenue ($1,643,107), known average food cost (26.83%) and labor cost (32.09%), and an estimated additional 15-30% for unstated operating expenses (e.g., rent, utilities, marketing, admin) as the document states other costs are omitted. High estimate assumes 15% additional costs (100% - 58.92% - 15% = 26.08% profit margin). Low estimate assumes 30% additional costs (100% - 58.92% - 30% = 11.08% profit margin).
Extracted Item 19 Section
How JOHNNY ROCKETS Compares to Other Fast Food Franchises
Key Insights
- Lower than average SBA loan default rate in Fast Food
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
JOHNNY ROCKETS Current | $517K - $2.7M | $50K | 6.0% | 98 |
| Burger King | $2.1M - $4.7M | $50K | 4.5% | 19,732 |
| MCDONALD'S | $1.5M - $2.6M | $45K | N/A | 12,772 |
| AFC | $45K - $151K | $6K | 9.5% | 3,572 |
| SONIC DRIVE-IN | $1.7M - $3.1M | $15K | 5.0% | 3,441 |
| JIMMY JOHN'S | $366K - $728K | $35K | 6.0% | 2,647 |
Fast Food Average 127 franchises | $605K - $1.5M | $35K | 6.1% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 127 Fast Food franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+13 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for JOHNNY ROCKETS franchisees (2010 - 2021)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a JOHNNY ROCKETS franchise?
The total initial investment to open a JOHNNY ROCKETS franchise ranges from $517,300 to $2,667,900. This includes a franchise fee of $50,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a JOHNNY ROCKETS franchise make?
According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue for a JOHNNY ROCKETS franchise is $1,643,107. The median revenue is $1,065,910.
How much profit can you make with a JOHNNY ROCKETS franchise?
Based on the financial performance data in the FDD, estimated profit for a JOHNNY ROCKETS franchise ranges from $182,056.26 to $428,522.31 per year. Actual results vary based on location, management, and market conditions.
How many JOHNNY ROCKETS franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, JOHNNY ROCKETS has 98 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1987.
Can you get an SBA loan for a JOHNNY ROCKETS franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for JOHNNY ROCKETS franchises. Historical data shows 21 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for JOHNNY ROCKETS franchisees, with an average loan amount of $558,281. The historical default rate is 14.3%.
Is JOHNNY ROCKETS a good franchise to buy?
JOHNNY ROCKETS shows several positive indicators: transparent financial performance data (Item 19). However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in JOHNNY ROCKETS?
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