Johnny Rockets

FAT Brands Completes Acquisition of Johnny Rockets, Increases Securitization Facility to $80 Million

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT) (“FAT Brands” or the “Company”) announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Johnny Rockets from an affiliate of private equity firm Sun Capital Partners, Inc. for a purchase price of approximately $25 million. The transaction was funded with proceeds from an increase in the Company’s securitization facility. With the acquisition of Johnny Rockets, FAT Brands now franchises more than 700 restaurants around the globe in more than 30 countries with annual system-wide sales exceeding $700 million. "We are thrilled to successfully complete the acquisition of Johnny Rockets, a transformative event for FAT Brands, and are eager to drive further growth for the brand," said Andy Wiederhorn, President and CEO of FAT Brands. "The expansion of our whole business securitization facility further enhances our liquidity and financial flexibility and demonstrates the confidence that institutional investors have in our platform. We continue to scale our business through strategic acquisitions that complement our current brands and are pursuing other attractive opportunities in this environment.” $40 Million Increase in Whole Business Securitization Facility On September 21, 2020, the Company completed the sale of $40 million of Series 2020-2 Fixed Rate Asset-Backed Notes (the “Notes”), increasing the Company’s securitization facility to $80 million. The Notes were issued through the Company’s whole business securitization affiliate, FAT Brands Royalty I, LLC. Cadence Group, Inc., a leading fintech securitization platform, acted as the sole structuring agent for the offering of Notes. Legal advisors for the financing transaction were Loeb & Loeb LLP and Foley & Lardner LLP for FAT Brands, and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP for Cadence Group, Inc. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes or any other security. The Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast casual and casual dining restaurant concepts around the world. The Company currently owns nine restaurant brands: Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Buffalo’s Cafe, Buffalo’s Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Elevation Burger, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises over 700 units worldwide. For more information, please visit www.fatbrands.com. About Johnny Rockets Founded in 1986 on iconic Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, Johnny Rockets is a world-renowned, international restaurant franchise that offers high quality, innovative menu items including items including Certified Angus Beef® cooked-to-order hamburgers, Boca Burger®, chicken sandwiches, crispy fries and rich, delicious hand-spun shakes and malts. With nearly 325 franchise and corporate locations in over 25 countries around the globe, this dynamic lifestyle brand offers friendly service and upbeat music contributing to the chain’s signature atmosphere of relaxed, casual fun. To learn more about the Johnny Rockets brand, please visit the brand website at www.johnnyrockets.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About Sun Capital Partners, Inc. In 2020, Sun Capital Partners, Inc. celebrates 25 years of investing; identifying companies’ untapped potential, and accelerating value through operational excellence. Since 1995, Sun Capital has invested in more than 375 companies worldwide with revenues in excess of $50 billion across a broad range of industries and transaction structures. Over the quarter century, the Firm has built a reputation as a trusted partner recognized for its investment and operational experience, including particular expertise in Business and Consumer Services, Healthcare, Industrial and Consumer sectors. Sun Capital has offices in Boca Raton, Los Angeles and New York, and an affiliate with offices in London. To learn more about Sun Capital Partners, Inc., please visit our website at www.suncappart.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the future financial and operating results of the Company, our future acquisitions, and the effects on our business of the current novel coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”). Forward-looking statements generally use words such as "expect," "foresee," "anticipate," "believe," "project," "should," "estimate," "will," "plans," "forecast," and similar expressions, and reflect our expectations concerning the future. It is possible that our future performance may differ materially from current expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies including, but not limited to, uncertainties surrounding the severity, duration and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond our control, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our current expectations and from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release. Contacts Investor Relations: ICR Ashley DeSimone IR-FATBrands@icrinc.com 646-677-1827 Media Relations: JConnelly Erin Mandzik emandzik@jconnelly.com 862-246-9911

United States of America · 21 Sep 2020

New Store Opening

We are now open in Sama Mall, Jahra! Come find us at the old cinema spot 😎

Kuwait · 23 Apr 2018

New Store Opening

Now our Fintas branch at Alia & Ghalia is reopened with same great food but in a brand NEW LOOK for your dinning enjoyment

Kuwait · 11 Apr 2018

The opening of iHope affected breakfast sales dramatically in the store.

27 Oct 2017

As Johnny Rockets UAE marches ahead with its expansion plans, here"s a sneak peek of another one of our new outlets - coming soon at Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi. Sub-franchisee owned and operated, the proposed diner is a 100 sq mt space with a possible drive by, grab & go window and outdoor terrace. For Sub-franchise enquiries, please visit our website : www.johnnyrocketsuae.com

United Arab Emirates · 24 Aug 2017

New Store Opening

Hello Dubai! We are proud to announce the opening of our outlet at the Mirdif City Centre, Dubai after renovation. Open for takeaway and delivery during Ramadan from 12 PM onwards. For delivery, call : 600-Johnny ( 564669 ) or order online.

United Arab Emirates · 22 Jun 2017

Hello Abu Dhabi! We are proud to announce the launch of two new Johnny Rockets outlets in the capital city. Swing by and check out the new outlets @Khalidiya and @Boutik Mall (Sun & Sky Towers) - Reem Island - our 15th & 16th outlets in the UAE. Loads of exciting offers and new outlets/foodtrucks coming soon.... watch this space.

United Arab Emirates · 17 Feb 2017

Johnny Rockets is a private American restaurant chain founded in 1986. The chain currently operates more than 340 locations worldwide. Sun Capital Partners Inc. acquired the chain from in June of 2013 for more than $100 million.

1 Dec 2015

Johnny Rockets Opens New Restaurant In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ALISO VIEJO, California, Aug. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnny Rockets recently opened its third restaurant in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. This is the brand's fifth restaurant in Saudi Arabia, opened by current franchisee Haidar Al-Naqeeb. Johnny Rockets is known for its world famous fresh, cooked-to-order hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and hand-spun shakes. "Our group, Kharafi Global, operates 22 Johnny Rockets restaurants in four countries, providing us with more than a decade of experience of working with the brand," said Haidar Al-Naqeeb, franchise owner of the Riyadh Johnny Rockets. "The brand offers a fun atmosphere for consumers and a successful business model for franchisees. This is our third location in Riyadh, offering a fresh new interior design and updated menu offerings, which we know our guests will appreciate." Kharafi Global has operated Johnny Rockets restaurants since 2004 and has opened multiple locations in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. The company's newest restaurant opened on Exit 10 in Riyadh and is approximately 3,700 sq. ft. and seats about 132 guests. About Johnny Rockets Johnny Rockets is an international restaurant franchise that offers high quality, innovative menu items including fresh, never frozen 100 percent beef cooked-to-order hamburgers, Veggie Boca® burger, chicken sandwiches, crispy fries and rich, delicious hand-spun shakes and malts. This dynamic lifestyle brand offers friendly service and upbeat music contributing to the chain's signature atmosphere of relaxed, casual fun. Founded in 1986, Johnny Rockets operates more than 330 franchise and corporate locations in 26 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.johnnyrockets.com. SOURCE Johnny Rockets RELATED LINKS http://www.johnnyrockets.com

Saudi Arabia · 12 Aug 2015

Al Masah Capital buys owner of Johnny Rockets franchise in UAE and Oman

The Dubai-based private equity firm Al Masah Capital has acquired Al Faris Restaurant, which owns the Johnny Rockets franchise in the UAE and Oman. The move yesterday is further evidence that the appetite for mergers and acquisitions in the UAE’s food and beverages sector is growing. This follows close on the heels of two other deals. The retailer Marka last month purchased the home-grown restaurant chain Reem Al Bawadi for Dh315 million, and this month, Audacia Capital, a Dubai-based investment bank, bought a 30 per cent stake in Al Safadi Restaurants. Al Masah’s food and beverage arm, Diamond Lifestyle, acquired the UAE-based operator of the Johnny Rockets burger chain. Diamond Lifestyle declined to give the value of the deal but said it expects to invest $150m in the sector over the next three years. The California-based Johnny Rockets entered the UAE in 1996 with an outlet in Jumeirah. Today, it has eight restaurants in Dubai, four in Abu Dhabi and two in Ras Al Khaimah, with a cumulative capacity to cater to 1,100 people at any one time. The chain has more than 120 restaurants outside the United States, and expects to double the figure by 2017. “We look forward to expanding the Johnny Rockets footprint in the UAE and Oman,” said Amitava Ghosal, a partner at Al Masah Capital and director of Diamond Lifestyle. Simi Nehra, the head of mergers and acquisitions for the consultancy KPMG said the appetite for food and beverage deals has strengthened in the past two quarters, a trend expected to continue for the foreseeable future. “One key factor is that currently food and beverage brand aggregators, who bring international brands to the UAE, are finding it more and more challenging to introduce new unique concepts to the region, hence growth for existing food and beverage operations must come organically or through mergers and acquisitions,” he said. In the Middle East and North Africa region, mergers and acquisitions are expected to grow 10 per cent this year despite the decline in oil prices, according to the consultancy EY. A majority of such transactions are expected to take place in sectors such as food and beverages. Abu Dhabi-based Gulf Capital expects to complete four to six acquisitions this year in the health care, retail, food and education sectors. In February, the German ecommerce company Rocket Internet acquired the Kuwait-based online food delivery services provider Talabat for €150m (Dh618.3m). Another online food delivery player, Foodpanda, in which Rocket Internet has an investment, acquired UAE-based 24h.ae for an undisclosed amount. Dubai is expected to attract 8 per cent more tourists, reaching 14.3 million international visitors this year, making it the fourth most popular destination in the world among 132 cities, according to a MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index, released this month. Another 1,600 food and beverage outlets could open by 2019 in the UAE and the sector will grow an average of 4 per cent annually over the next four years, according to a report from KPMG also this month. About 66 per cent people are estimated to eat dinner out at least once during the week, spending about Dh120 per person, it said. Among popular outlets are casual dining restaurants, fast food and food courts, the KPMG report added the KPMG report added. ssahoo@thenational.ae

United Arab Emirates · 23 Jun 2015

Johnny Rockets is a private American restaurant chain founded in 1986. The chain currently operates more than 340 locations worldwide. Sun Capital Partners Inc. acquired the chain from in June of 2013 for more than $100 million.

17 Dec 2014

إزدان مول يحتضن مقر مطعم " جوني روكتس"

افتتحت "المجموعة الدولية للأغذية"، ممثل سلسلة جوني روكتس في قطر مطعمها الخامس في الطابق الأرضي بـمول إزدان في منطقة الغرافة ومع أكثر من ثلاثمائة مطعم في ستة وعشرين بلد حول العالم يعتبر جوني روكتس من المطاعم الرائدة في تقديم الأطعمة التقليدية الأمريكية المحببـة ذات المذاق المميز والمصحوبة بالكثير من المرح مثل الهمبرجر الطازج غير المجمد المطهو حسب الطلب "حلال"، والبطاطا المقرمشة الأمريكية المغطاة بجبنة الشيدر الذائبة ومكعبات اللحم المدخن، والسندويشات الكلاسيكية الغنية، والميلك شيك اللذيذ المخفوق يدويا. كل هذا في ظل خدمة سريعة ومتميزة، وموسيقى مبهجة، وعروض راقصة متكررة يقوم بها فريق العمل تسهم في إضفاء جو من الاسترخاء والمرح في المطعم. وتم افتتاح أول فرع لجوني روكتس في الدوحة في عام ٢٠٠٢ على طريق سلوى، وتوالت الفروع في حياة بلازا، و شارع الاتحاد بـالغرافة، وشارع آل شافي، والآن في مول إزدان. ويجدر بالذكر أن شركة "آي إف جي" الممثلة للعلامة التجارية في دولة قطر هي مؤسسة مشتركة بين شركتي "آي إف سي - إحدى شركات مجموعة شراكه القابضة وشركة الخرافي جلوبال" "الكويت". وعلق الرئيس التنفيذي لشركة "آي إف سي" السيد رجب الجعبـري قائلا "نحن متحمسون وسعداء بتقديم أطعمة جوني روكتس المفضلة ذات الجودة العالية والمصحوبة بالخدمة المميزة في جو من المرح لرواد مول إزدان. إنها شهادة على التزامنا بتقديم أفضل الخدمات لضيوفنا الكرام في افتتاحاتنا الجديدة.

Qatar · 6 Jun 2014

Johnny Rockets Continues To Heat Up Kuwait

Franchise owner, Haidar Al-Naqeeb, is proud to announce the opening of his newest Johnny Rockets in one of the world’s richest countries, Kuwait. Conveniently situated directly off of Kuwait’s Fahaheel Express Highway in the country’s capital, the opening of the Divonne Restaurant Complex location continues Al-Naqeeb’s strategic expansion in the Arabian Gulf, a region that has embraced the iconic all-American chain for more than 18 years. Al-Naqeeb introduced the brand to the Middle East in December of 1995 with the opening of his first restaurant at Salem Al-Mabarak in Salmiyah, Kuwait. Since that time, he’s rapidly expanded his portfolio to now include over a dozen franchises in Kuwait, as well as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain with additional openings planned for the immediate future. The Divonne location brings the global enterprise’s signature fare, upbeat music, timeless ambiance and unique interactive dining experience to the commercial complex, flanked by several other internationally recognized chains. The newly opened center provides guests with a relaxed atmosphere and unique design details including an illuminated fountain and charming lights - all in a courtyard setting reminiscent of a European-style piazza. Divonne is the eighth Johnny Rockets to open in Kuwait and the third to open in the capital of Kuwait City, an area bolstered by a strong economic infrastructure. Ranked as one of the 25 largest GDP cities in the world, Kuwait City is among the world’s top financial hubs – a distinction also shared with New York, Tokyo, Moscow and Dubai. With over 2 million residents, Al-Naqeeb has already witnessed how well Johnny Rockets has been received in the densely populated city. “With a keen eye and perceptive outlook of what guests are seeking in a restaurant experience, Haidar has successfully brought a multitude of Johnny Rockets franchises to the Middle East,” said John Fuller, CEO of Johnny Rockets. “The consistent quality of his restaurants is a testament to the passion that Haidar brings to his ownership role and will continue to offer guests of this new location.” With a heavy emphasis on a variety of custom-made breakfast offerings, the Divonne Restaurant Complex menu also boasts the brand’s popular made-to-order hamburgers, American fries served with a ketchup smiley face, hand-spun shakes and classic sandwiches. As the global franchise continues its successful expansion into the Middle East, future properties are slated to open this year in Kuwait, as well as Bahrain and Qatar. For more information about Johnny Rockets and its franchising opportunities, please visit www.johnnyrockets.com. ###

Kuwait · 23 Mar 2014

New Store Opening

We are happy to announce that we have opened our 12th Johnny Rockets this week in Deerfields Townsquare Mall. Conveniently located on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway, the three-story Deerfields Townsquare is anchored by Carrefour, Centrepoint and Grand Cinemas. The new location offers the same fresh, never frozen, made-to-order hamburgers, American fries served with a ketchup smiley face, hand-spun shakes and classic sandwiches that the Al Fares Restaurants Group debuted with their first Johnny Rockets in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in July 1996. Dancing servers, lively music and an open kitchen add to the brand’s interactive, modern Americana atmosphere of relaxed, casual fun. Welcome!

United Arab Emirates · 26 Feb 2014

AL FARES RESTAURANT GROUP, ESTEEMED INTERNATIONAL JOHNNY ROCKETS FRANCHISEE, OPENS 11TH JOHNNY ROCKETS RESTAURANT IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

(Aliso Viejo, Calif.) Dec. 30, 2013 – Long-time franchise partners Al Fares Restaurant Group, LLC, operated by Wael and Zaher Samman, have unveiled the newest Johnny Rockets restaurant in their impressive portfolio – the 1,300 square-foot eatery with indoor and outdoor seating in the popular Jumeirah Centre shopping mall in the coastal residential area of Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. The term Jumeirah, which literally means “beautiful” in Arabic, is primarily an upscale residential area frequented by locals, expatriates working in the emirate and tourists visiting Dubai. Al Fares Restaurant Group debuted their flagship UAE Johnny Rockets restaurant in 1996 in Jumeirah at Jumaa Al Majid complex on bustling Beach Road, which closed at the end of its lease in August 2013. Like the ten that preceded it, the new location in Jumeirah brings the concept of Americana to the UAE with the same flavorful food, friendly service and fun, timeless ambiance that residents and area visitors have enjoyed for the past seventeen years. The all-American menu features made-to-order hamburgers, American fries served with the signature ketchup smiley face, hand-spun shakes and classic sandwiches. Dancing servers, twirled straws and upbeat tunes from the past eight decades round out the unique interactive guest experience. “The thrill of re-opening Johnny Rockets in beautiful Jumeirah proves our commitment to the development of this area and our passion for the brand,” said franchise partners Wael and Zaher Samman. “We take pride in having delighted Johnny Rockets guests in the UAE, since 1996, and we look forward to delivering on our Guest Promise for many years to come.” The new Johnny Rockets is located on the prime Jumeirah Beach Road strip in Jumeirah Centre, the first mall to be built along Beach Road. The two-story shopping and entertainment center services all corners of Dubai, including the surrounding communities of Jumeirah, Al Wasl and Umm Suqeim. The mall boasts almost 50 retail outlets, many of which provide one-of-a-kind retail concepts not found elsewhere in the city. “The inherent value of Johnny Rockets as a brand is evident by how strongly the UAE has embraced our all-American experience,” said John Fuller, CEO of Johnny Rockets. “Wael and Zaher have proven their expertise and the fact that we continue to maintain success in the federation for almost two decades, is a testament to their business acumen and the area’s affection for classic Americana.” Longtime Johnny Rockets franchise partners, Wael and Zaher Samman received the company’s International Award for Outstanding Development in 2012 and now operate 11 restaurants in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah. In June, they introduced Johnny Rockets to the Corniche waterfront area, which marked their second Abu Dhabi restaurant since opening Yas Marina Circuit in August 2012. Dubai locations include Dubai Marina, Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, The Village in Dubai Mall (2), Mirdif City Centre, J3 Royal Mall and Jumeirah Centre, as well as Al Hamra Mall In the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, which opened last month. Three more restaurants in the UAE are scheduled to open within the next two months, and their first restaurant in Oman, in the capital city of Muscat, is slated for mid-2014. The new Johnny Rockets restaurant in Jumeirah seats approximately 55 people in its 1,300 square-feet of indoor and outdoor retail space. Jumeirah Centre is located at Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah 1?Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Johnny Rockets is open seven days a week from noon to 2:00 a.m. For more information about Johnny Rockets and its franchising opportunities, please visit www.johnnyrockets.com. For more information about Johnny Rockets in the UAE, please visit http://www.johnnyrocketsuae.com. # # #

United Arab Emirates · 28 Dec 2013

New Store Opening

We are delighted and proud to announce the opening of our smallest and cutest Johnny Rickets in Jumeirah Centre, right across from our very first Johnny Rockets which we had opened back in 1996 on #Jumeirah Beach road.

United Arab Emirates · 21 Dec 2013

New Store Opening

On the 21st of November 2013 was the Grand Opening of the new Johnny Rockets restaurant in Al Hamra Mall near VOX Cinemas. The guests were submerged to the pleasant and friendly atmosphere of the 50-ies. In the main entrance inside the Mall Rotonda were displayed classic cars and motorcycle that are from the 1940's to 1960's which is the golden era of Diners. The hostesses were distributing Johnny Rockets gifts and souvenirs for the guests and were offering samples of the famous Johnny Rockets milkshakes to the mall customers passing by. #alhamramall #rasalkhaimah #rak

United Arab Emirates · 25 Nov 2013

Johnny Rockets is a private American restaurant chain founded in 1986. The chain currently operates more than 340 locations worldwide. Sun Capital Partners Inc. acquired the chain from in June of 2013 for more than $100 million.

28 Oct 2013

PROMINENT INTERNATIONAL JOHNNY ROCKETS FRANCHISEE OPENS TWO RESTAURANTS IN QATAR

This past September, long-time franchise partner Al-Kharafi Global Trading & Contracting Company, operated by Haidar Al-Naqueeb, unveiled the newest restaurant in his impressive Johnny Rockets portfolio – a 1,506-square-foot location on bustling Al Shafi Street in Ar Rayyan, the largest municipality in the state of Qatar. Ten days earlier, a similar sized Johnny Rockets opened at the Sheikh Ahmed Al-Thani office building on Al Ittihad Street in Al Gharafa. Like the fourteen that preceded them, the new restaurants bring Americana to the Arabian Peninsula with the same flavorful food, friendly service and fun, timeless ambiance that residents and area visitors have enjoyed for the past seventeen years. The all-American menu features made-to-order, fresh, never frozen, burgers, American Fries served with a ketchup smiley face, hand-spun shakes and classic sandwiches. Dancing servers, twirled straws and upbeat music from the past eight decades create an interactive guest experience not found elsewhere in the Middle East.“Over the years, Johnny Rockets has proven to be an unparalleled leader in the burger category in the Gulf Arab States,” said Al-Naqueeb. “Our two new restaurants will allow even more guests the opportunity to experience what makes Johnny Rockets so unique, and to see for themselves what sets us apart from other burger options in the area.”“Because we, as a franchisor, have such exacting standards for the construction and operation of our restaurants, it’s challenging enough to open one Johnny Rockets restaurant – let alone two,” added John Fuller, CEO of Johnny Rockets. “It’s a testament to Haidar’s business acumen, attention to detail and commitment to maintaining our brand over nearly two decades that he could execute two nearly simultaneous openings so seamlessly.”The addition of the new restaurants brings Al-Naqueeb’s total to sixteen, making him Johnny Rocket’s largest and most experienced international franchise partner, having opened the company’s first location outside the U.S. in Salmiyah, Kuwait in December 1995. Naqueeb now operates Johnny Rockets restaurants in Kuwait (7), Qatar (4), Saudi Arabia (3) and Bahrain (2), and plans to add locations at Ezdan Mall in Al Gharafa and in the Aster Building on Tahlia Street in Jeddah this fall. For more information about Johnny Rockets and its franchising opportunities, go to www.johnnyrockets.com. ### SOCIAL

Qatar · 27 Oct 2013

Johnny Rockets Opens Two More Restaurants in the Gulf Arab States

New Johnny Rockets restaurants have opened in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, two Gulf Arab States previously developed by the iconic all-American chain in a geographic area positioned for further expansion. The new restaurants at Kipco Tower (formerly known as United Tower) and Riyadh Exit 5 offer the flavorful all-American fare, upbeat music, timeless ambiance, and engaging dining experience that guests have enjoyed since the first Johnny Rockets restaurant on the Arabian Peninsula opened more than 17 years ago. They join the stable of long-time Johnny Rockets franchise partner Haidar Al-Naqeeb, who now owns 14 Johnny Rockets in Kuwait (7), Saudi Arabia (3), Qatar (2), and Bahrain (2). Al-Naqeeb has been a Johnny Rockets franchise partner since he opened his first restaurant at Salem Al-Mabarak in Salmiyah, Kuwait in December 1995 – Johnny Rockets’ first restaurant in the Middle East. Thirteen restaurants ensued, including Saudi Arabia locations on Tahlia Street (Riyadh) and Al Rashid Mall (Al Khobar), and Kuwait locations at Kuwait Marina (Kuwait City), Salhiya Complex (Fahaheel), The Avenues Mall and Avenues II (Safat), and Fintas Towers (Halifa). Al-Naqeeb plans to develop additional restaurants in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia in 2013. “After more than 17 years as a Johnny Rockets franchise partner, Haidar knows what our Middle Eastern guests are looking for in an all-American dining experience, and he consistently delivers it with passion, dedication, and integrity,” says Steve Devine, president of Johnny Rockets International. “Haidar continues to position Johnny Rockets as the ‘restaurant of choice’ in the Gulf Arab States, and we look forward to his further expansion in this area this year.” "Kipco Tower is regarded as the tallest and most prestigious mixed-purpose residential and office building in Kuwait's premier business address, and it only invited Johnny Rockets to represent the hamburger category in its retail offering,” Al-Naqeeb says. “This is a testament to the popularity of this classic hamburger chain first developed in Kuwait in 1995 that has stood the test of time in a small region saturated with newer American hamburger options. We will continue to move forward with Johnny Rockets development, and anticipate two more restaurants opening by the first half of the year in Kuwait and four more restaurants in Qatar, Bahrain, and Jeddah KSA.” The new 2,755-square-foot Riyadh Exit 5 restaurant is located at King Abdulaaziz Road, Exit 5 in the Al Ghadir District, and seats 123 guests. The 861 square-foot Kipco Tower restaurant in Kuwait City, Kuwait seats 21 guests inside and 32 on the patio. Both restaurants are open from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Kuwait · 14 Feb 2013