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Fat Brands says 20% of its restaurants remain closedFat Brands says 20% of its restaurants remain closed

Franchise concept, which acquired Johnny Rockets in Q3, faces COVID-19 challenges with amusement park, movie theater, shopping mall, casino and cruise ship locations

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

November 11, 2020

3 Min Read
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Global franchising company FAT Brands Inc. sees its third-quarter acquisition of Johnny Rockets as a long-term investment as the retro-diner concept faces immediate challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CEO said Tuesday.

The Los Angeles-based FAT Brands, in releasing third-quarter earnings, said more than 20% of its restaurants, or 141 of 682 units across nine brands, remain temporarily closed because of restrictions and other pandemic-related reasons.

FAT Brands also owns steakhouses Bonanza and Ponderosa, which were deeply impacted by the pandemic because of their buffet formats. Other brands in its portfolio include Buffalo’s Cafe, Buffalo’s Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Elevation Burger and Yalla Mediterranean.

Andy Wiede...

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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