Cozette Phifer Koerber to Lead Johnny Rockets Brand Marketing and Communications Efforts

LAKE FOREST, Calif., Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnny Rockets, home of the Original Hamburger, today announced the promotion of Cozette Phifer Koerber from corporate communications director to vice president of brand marketing and corporate communications. In addition to her current responsibilities, Koerber will oversee new media efforts, strategic partnerships and marketing communications.

Koerber will work with Johnny Rockets' new leadership team; including CEO John Fuller, SVP of marketing, Tim Hackbardt, and SVP of development, Carl Arena to spearhead the international expansion and positioning of the 24-year-old restaurant brand. 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.

"Cozette has demonstrated her ability to effectively communicate the authentic Johnny Rockets brand and goals; from new store concepts to increased market visibility," said John Fuller, CEO of Johnny Rockets. "Her increased leadership role is a positive indicator of our company's commitment to building our global media presence and expanding our marketing efforts with emerging forms of consumer outreach."

With more than 25 years of communication and marketing experience, Koerber brings a demonstrated success of creating successful media campaigns for companies in transition. In her previous role as director of corporate communications for Jenny Craig, Inc., she worked closely with executives to create new messaging platforms that helped drive the company's three-year turnaround from $63 million to $600 million and subsequent sale to Nestle. Her experience also includes spearheading strategic media and publicity campaigns for Domino's Pizza, Inc. and PETsMART.

"It has been an honor to be a part of Johnny Rockets' growth during the past year and I look forward to working with John, Tim, Carl and the senior leadership team to explore new ways to market and expand our operations domestically and abroad," said Cozette Phifer Koerber. "There are new and exciting projects in the works for Johnny Rockets and we plan to spread the word through social media and other electronic platforms while providing the same great customer experience at each and every location."

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. The international restaurant chain was acquired by Red Zone Capital Fund II in 2007. Since that time, the chain has grown by 50 percent and expanded into Latin America, Europe and Asia.

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