Johnny Rockets’ aggressive international expansion has continued with the opening of its first location in Nigeria.
Located on upscale Victoria Island – the commercial, financial and tourist hub of West Africa – the new 2,600-square-foot restaurant is the first of five Johnny Rockets franchise partner Christopher Nahman plans to develop in Nigeria over the next seven years. Additional locations are slated for the Lagos area, with Ikeja and Lekki being considered as future sites.
With seating for approximately 85, the new restaurant is located on one of four major roads on Victoria Island, directly across from the Eko Hotel and Suites, Nigeria’s largest hotel and convention center. Along with hotel guests and meeting attendees, the restaurant’s flavorful fare and fun dining ambiance will attract local residents and visitors to this exclusive community.
“Nigerians have long craved American products,” explains Nahman, whose family’s company, Nahman Construction Company Ltd., has specialized in high-end residential, commercial and government projects in Nigeria since 1969. “The classic décor will bring them in, and the delicious food, upbeat music, and family-friendly atmosphere will bring them back again and again.”
The new Victoria Island Johnny Rockets restaurant offers tasty all-American fare along with regional favorites in a fun, timeless ambiance. Traditional menu items include hamburgers, crispy American fries served with a ketchup smiley face, classic sandwiches and hand-spun shakes. Jollof rice and fried rice have been added to appeal to local palates.
“As the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria represents a tremendous opportunity for our iconic, all-American brand,” says Steve Devine, president of Johnny Rockets International. “With Chris’ deep connection to the area and knowledge of what Nigerians are looking for in a dining experience, he’s the ideal franchise partner to maximize the potential for us here in Lagos and throughout the rest of the country.”
Johnny Rockets’ new Victoria Island restaurant is the first of several restaurants planned in Africa, including future restaurants in Morocco, Tunisia and Libya. It is located at 1411 Adetokonbo Ademola in Lagos, and is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
