Johnny Rockets Appoints SVP of Development to Spearhead Construction, New Concepts and Global Expansion Efforts

LAKE FOREST, Calif., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnny Rockets, home of the Original Hamburger, today announced the appointment of Carl Arena as senior vice president of development, continuing its aggressive growth plan. Arena, who had previously served as executive director of development of Johnny Rockets in 2004, will work closely with new CEO John Fuller and the heads of international and domestic franchising, to develop strategic growth plans for the global restaurant chain.

Arena will oversee the development team and spearhead all real estate projects, from scouting new locations to managing the launch of store openings. Johnny Rockets is expected to launch an additional 30 to 40 franchise locations this year, including three new concepts: sports lounges, mobile kitchens and its new FAST! model.

Arena previously served as director of real estate development for Catalina Restaurant Group in Carlsbad, Calif. where he was responsible for new store development and asset management for the Coco's and Carrows restaurant chains. He also served in senior development positions with Rubio's Restaurants, Inc. where he was vice president of development and at CKE Restaurants, Inc. serving as vice president of real estate for CKE's Carl's Jr. chain.

"With over twenty years of real estate and development experience in the restaurant industry, we are excited to have Carl back on board the Johnny Rockets team," said John Fuller, CEO of Johnny Rockets. "His vast industry knowledge will be an asset to achieving our growth plans and prioritizing top corporate and franchise markets on domestic and international levels."

Johnny Rockets has about 280 corporate and franchise-owned restaurants in 27 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and 11 countries, including those found in Six Flags amusement parks and aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships. The international restaurant chain was acquired by Red Zone Capital Fund II in 2007. Since that time, the chain has expanded by 50 percent and expanded into Latin America, Europe and Asia.

"Johnny Rockets is a leader in customer service and quality menu offerings, and I'm excited to hit the ground running to develop new markets that will best fit our customer demands," said Arena. "With fresh concepts and new menu items on the horizon, Johnny Rockets is poised to show continued franchise and corporate growth in the years to come, and I look forward to making those goals a reality."

Visit www.johnnyrockets.com for more information and franchise opportunities.

About Johnny Rockets

Since 1986, Johnny Rockets has offered the food, fun and friendliness that remind guests of timeless, feel-good Americana. Every Johnny Rockets restaurant serves simple, great-tasting food from a menu of all-American favorites, including juicy hamburgers, classic sandwiches and hand-dipped shakes and malts. It's the place to go for fast, friendly service, flavorful food, uplifting music and relaxed, casual fun. Headquartered in Lake Forest, Calif., Johnny Rockets has 280 corporate and franchise-owned restaurants in 27 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and 11 countries, including those found in Six Flags amusement parks and aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Johnny Rockets is currently franchising new restaurants in most markets. To learn more about Johnny Rockets, visit www.johnnyrockets.com.

SOURCE Johnny Rockets