Johnny Rockets opened its second restaurant in South America today in the popular Alto Las Condes shopping complex in Santiago, Chile. This is the second of five restaurants that Johnny Rockets franchise partner Felipe Infante plans to open in Chile by 2013.
Johnny Rockets has quickly become a Santiago staple since opening its Johnny Rockets Portal location in July 2010 in the Lo Barnechea neighborhood.
Creative promotions such as a dance contest to win a Johnny Rockets-branded bicycle along with an interactive Facebook page and website have boosted local presence.
Meanwhile, the Chilean economy has continued to grow rapidly over the last two years, and retail spending, spurred by the reconstruction from the 2010 earthquake, continues to increase.
“Chile is one of Latin America’s fastest growing economies, and we knew it would be an ideal country to introduce the brand to South America,” says Steve Devine, senior vice president of international development for Johnny Rockets. “The success of the Chile locations is paving the way for expansion into Peru and Ecuador, as the American cuisine and simple business model is attractive to both guests and potential franchise owners.”
“When I first discovered Johnny Rockets while visiting Miami, and the servers started dancing on the sidewalk, I was blown away,” says Infante, who has vast experience in the restaurant industry. “I wanted to share this experience with the Chilean people, and am overjoyed at how they’re embracing the fun atmosphere and delicious cuisine.”
The new 3,767-square-foot Johnny Rockets offers both indoor and terrace seating, and employs 85 area residents. It is located near the Cinemark entrance, the pedestrian entrance to the mall on the second floor of Alto Las Condes at Avenida Presidente Kennedy 9001.
Like the Johnny Rockets Portal location, the Alto Las Condes restaurant infuses Chilean flavors and taste preferences (such as adding avocado to hamburgers and sandwiches) into the restaurant chain’s classic menu of American favorites.
