Johnny Rockets is coming to the Excalibur Hotel & Casino! Signs are already up for the “burgers, shakes, fries, and fun” brand. The plan is to open the new eatery this fall.
“There will be a soft opening,” founder and owner of the Fifth Avenue Restaurant Group, Frank Bonanno, said in an interview with What Now Las Vegas.
“Our goal is to open in high traffic locations.”
And that’s exactly what the Excalibur is! Known for hosting a host of eateries, the hotel and casino is also opening another Fifth Avenue Restaurant Group right next door to the new Johnny Rockets. Bonanno’s New York Pizzeria is also expected to open by this fall.
Fifth Avenue Restaurant Group is the Las Vegas franchisee for the burger brand.
What Now also reached out to Andy Wiederhorn, Chairman and CEO of FAT Brands, the parent company of both Johnny Rockets and Fat Burger, to find out more about the upcoming opening. Unfortunately, we did not hear back by the time of this publication.
“Johnny Rockets is an iconic, world-renowned hamburger restaurant franchise that offers high-quality, innovative menu items including Certified Angus Beef® cooked-to-order hamburgers, veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, crispy fries, and rich, delicious hand-spun shakes and malts,” the Fat Brands, which now goes by OHG Brands, website reads.
“OHG Brands is home to some of America’s most iconic brands. Our restaurants are full of personality, loved by fans and proven over decades. We exist to show the world how amazing these brands truly are and to give them the love and support they deserve.”
Johnny Rockets was founded in 1986 by Ronn Teitelbaum on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles as a 20-stool retro diner recreating classic 1940s and 1950s malt shops. The moniker combines “Johnny” after Johnny Appleseed and “Rocket” from the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88. Teitelbaum, a former clothing store owner with no prior restaurant experience, modeled the counter seating and menu layout after West Los Angeles’s historic The Apple Pan diner.
On August 13, 2020, FAT Brands acquired Johnny Rockets for $25 million. The original Melrose Avenue location had previously closed in October 2015 after nearly three decades. Known for retro jukeboxes, dancing and singing servers (I would know I was one haha), and classic American fare, the chain expanded globally into malls, amusement parks (such as Six Flags), stadiums, and cruise ships.
“At Johnny Rockets, we don’t just serve meals; we craft experiences. Our commitment to creating memorable moments is ingrained in every aspect of what we do,” the Johnny Rockets website reads.
“Whether it’s a casual lunch or a vibrant dinner, Johnny Rockets is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination where you can relish the joy of simply good times.”
There are now more than 275 Johnny Rockets locations globally across more than 25 countries, with around 64 to 66 locations active in the United States. The brand’s directory shows that there are just three open in Nevada, with one serving Reno.
“High-quality fresh, never frozen burgers, great shakes, and fries,” Bonanno said.
“Great food and excellent guest experience in an inviting atmosphere.”
Check it out for yourself when the new Johnny Rockets opens in the Excalibur Hotel & Casino at 3850 S Las Vegas Blvd this fall.
