Johnny Rockets to open unit on military baseJohnny Rockets to open unit on military base

Lisa Jennings

LAKE FOREST Calif. Continuing its strategy of growth in non traditional locations, Johnny Rockets said it would open its first unit on a military base in May.

Franchisee Robert Azinian, who owns Johnny Rockets units in California, Washington, Connecticut and Nevada, has agreed to open a 1,800-square-foot restaurant in Camp Pendleton, the Marine Corps’ largest West Coast expeditionary training facility. The base is located in Southern California.

“More than 38,000 military family members live in Camp Pendleton and more than 60,000 people occupy the base every day,” said Lee Sanders, Johnny Rockets' chief executive. “Our classic American atmosphere, grilled-to-order hamburgers and the timeless music on our jukeboxes add up to the feel-good kind of fun we think Marines and their families both desire and deserve.”

Johnny Rockets said the Camp Pendleton restaurant could be the first of many military base locations for the concept. The chain already has several nontraditional outposts, including restaurants at Six Flags amusement parks and Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

The Lake Forest, Calif.-based company operates or franchises 258 restaurants in 29 states and 11 countries.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].