Johnny Rockets announces major expansion plans in UAE

This will bring the total number of Johnny Rockets restaurants in the UAE to thirteen.

The announcement came as Johnny Rockets celebrated UAE National Day by opening the latest restaurant at J3 mall, on Al Wasl Road in Dubai.

Wael and Zaher Samman, co-managing directors of Johnny Rockets UAE, said, "Johnny Rockets has taken pride in delighting guests in the UAE since 1996, when we opened our first location on Beach Road in Jumeirah, Dubai. The announcement of the expansion of Johnny Rockets is testament of our gratitude to the country, its leadership, people and guests who have been loyal to the brand for the past 16 years. With the development of these additional six restaurants, more Johnny Rockets fans across the UAE will be able to enjoy the food, fun, and friendliness reminiscent of the feel-good timeless era. Our restaurants boast great tasting food from a menu of favorites, including juicy hamburgers, classic sandwiches, chili fries, and hand-dipped shakes and malts. Our guests also enjoy a classic look and feel, tabletop jukeboxes, and authentic décor."

They also added, "When we first opened in 1996, there was very little competition in our sector and we could not envisage at the time that we would have 13 restaurants in the country, not to mention a further 7 restaurants that are in the pipeline for the coming couple of years. We are proud to have achieved the highest presence of the Johnny Rockets brand in a single country outside the United States. This is a clear indication that the UAE, under its wise leadership has grown into a very mature market, in all its sectors, and has thus attracted a more demanding population mix, with higher disposable income, and this is key in helping various business sectors grow and flourish."

Johnny Rockets UAE has seen an increase in overall revenues of 63% in the last three years alone. Hani Samman, Director of home delivery and online ordering, added that his part of the business has also increased by 114% in the last three years, and is expected to increase by a further 45% in 2013, with the opening of the six new restaurants. Johnny Rockets currently has eight locations in the UAE. The six new restaurants, including the J3 mall location will be split between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Further restaurants are planned for Al Ain and Sharjah in 2014 and 2015.

A report from Euro monitor indicated that the market for restaurants in the UAE was worth about $1.15bn in 2011, which has increased by 5% to $1.21bn in 2012 and is expected to increase by 23% to $1.42bn in 2013.