Johnny Rockets Adds Fresh Faces and New Concepts in 2010

LAKE FOREST, Calif., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnny Rockets, home of the Original Hamburger, has appointed John Fuller as president and chief executive officer and Tim Hackbardt as senior vice president of marketing of the 23-year old international restaurant chain. Fuller joined the company in 2008 as chief financial officer and will lead the company's widespread expansion effort, including domestic and international franchise growth and the implementation of newly designed store concepts. Hackbardt, a veteran of the restaurant industry, will focus on consumer research, new media and product development in 2010.

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Fuller, who has managed business finances in restaurant companies such as Rubio's, Del Taco and CKE Restaurants, said that he looks forward to building upon the Company's current growth and to enhancing the Johnny Rockets experience for guests, employees and Franchise Owners, around the world.

"My vision is to embrace our customer-service-focused model that recognizes and addresses every level of customer within the organization, from the top down, and to bring greater market penetration by delivering the right Johnny Rockets concepts in the right locations," said John Fuller, CEO of Johnny Rockets. "It's an exciting time at Johnny Rockets and our team is committed to providing greater support for current franchise partners while developing a variety of opportunities for future ones," he added.

Tim Hackbardt brings 20 years of restaurant chain marketing experience to the position. Prior to his new role with Johnny Rockets, Hackbardt was the founding partner of the White Barn Group, a strategic marketing agency based in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., providing services to many notable multi-unit restaurant companies. Hackbardt also served as the lead marketing executive for a variety of restaurant chains most recently including vice president of marketing for Rubio's Restaurants, Inc. and Del Taco, Inc., where he produced record-setting results, received industry accolades for innovation, and was responsible for developing and executing brand strategy, advertising and research efforts, product development and public relations.

"Johnny Rockets is known for providing a uniquely entertaining dining experience, classic American food favorites, and fun," said Tim Hackbardt, senior vice president of marketing of Johnny Rockets. "As the chain continues to expand its store concepts and locations, it is crucial that we learn who our current and future guests are—and what they want in their dining experience. Through strategic research and consumer segmentation, we'll be able to better develop everything from uniforms and décor to menu items and marketing materials. From there, we'll identify and prioritize initiatives that best serve our guests."

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, which offers a new streamlined menu, "create-your-own-burger" option, and enhanced franchise opportunities. Johnny Rockets will continue its mission of serving simple, great-tasting food from its timeless menu of all-American favorites, including juicy hamburgers, American fries, classic sandwiches and hand-dipped shakes and malts.

The international restaurant chain was acquired by RedZone Capital Fund II in 2007. Since that time, the chain has expanded by 50 percent and opened stores in 11 new countries.

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. 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