First of Five Planned Johnny Rockets Restaurants Opens in Seoul

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., Feb. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As the popularity of hamburgers grows in the Korean restaurant landscape, Johnny Rockets, home of the original hamburger, has announced its expansion into the Korean Market. The all-American fast casual restaurant chain aligned with Shinsegae Food Co. LTD to open its first restaurant in Seoul, Korea's KangNam Shinsegae Department Store, opening today. The classic restaurant chain is known for its classic decor, dancing employees and a menu featuring made-to-order Hamburgers, Hand-Dipped Shakes and American Fries.

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Shinsegae Food Co. LTD is a subsidiary company of Shinsegae Group, owner and operator of department and discount stores throughout Korea.  It is a major provider of food services, materials and distribution, in Korea. Their first 1,067 square-foot Johnny Rockets restaurant, located in a central shopping and transportation venue, employs twenty-nine local residents.  Grand opening festivities include a Signing Ceremony, attended by Shinsegae Foods Inc. CEO, Il-Chae Jung, and Johnny Rockets CEO, John Fuller, among other dignitaries and special guests. Shinsegae Food Co. plans to open five restaurants in Korea during the next five years.

"We are happy to partner with a brand that we consider the best to accommodate Korea's growing and fast-changing hamburger market," said Ryan Park, Assistant Manager for Shinsegae Food.  "Johnny Rockets offers something for everyone. In addition to hamburgers, the traditional American menu also features favorites, including several varieties of sandwiches and salads. Over time and with input from our Guests, we may localize our menu for the marketplace. However, from Day One, we are committed to providing the best experience possible for everyone who dines with us."

According to Johnny Rockets Senior Vice President of International Development, Steve Devine, "Our international expansion strategy during the past 25 years has always been to seek out markets that are receptive to our unique blend of Americana and our all-American flavor profiles. Although the Republic of Korea has long been on our list of highly desirable markets, we understood that, in order to be capable of competing effectively in this marketplace, we would need a development partner that truly understood the Korea culture and business landscape. Shinsegae Food Company is an excellent partner for us in these aspects and it is because we have managed to form this franchise relationship with Shinsegae Food Company that we are now confident that we can effect a successful entry to the Korea market."

Adds Johnny Rockets President and CEO, John Fuller, "With the rich history of Shinsegae Food Company behind our growth in Korea, Johnny Rockets is extremely confident that we are positioned for great long term success in this market for years to come."

For more information about Johnny Rockets or their franchising opportunities go to www.johnnyrockets.com.

SOURCE Johnny Rockets