Business View - March 2015 77
the past, which puts our brand in the position for 2015
to be a record year for growth.”
When commenting on the folks with whom deals are
ultimately signed, Walker beams.
“Our franchisees are truly the best in the business,” he
says. “The factor that’s common amongst them is that
they are brand champions and are true restaurateurs
focused on providing great food and experiences for
their guests. Our franchisees account for 90 percent
of our system and truly are the reason why we have
been so successful over the years.
Using the brand’s franchisee strength, Walker contin-
ues to develop relationships with new prospects who
fit the mold and is seeking financially stable and strong
performers.
Walker continues, “We’re not about selling franchis-
es, but rather about opening strong restaurants with
strong financial performance. Five years down the line,
we will be a much larger company than we are today
and we feel it is best to grow in a fiscally sound way
rather than grow as fast as we can.”
Johnny Rockets was labeled as No. 207 on Entre-
preneur magazine’s “Franchise 500” list for 2015.
The minimum financial requirements for prospective
franchisees include a net worth of $500,000 and
$250,000 in available liquid cash. The total invest-
ment ranges between $539,525 and $975,575, with
a $49,000 franchise fee and a 5 percent royalty fee for
a 10-year renewable agreement. Veterans are eligible
for 25 percent off of all initial fees.
The typical number of employees needed to run a
Johnny Rockets restaurant is between 20 and 25 and
85 percent of all franchisees own more than one loca-
tion. Absentee ownership is not allowed, and Johnny
Rockets is seeking new franchise units in the U.S. and
Canada, as well as Central and South America, Eu-
rope, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
PREFERRED VENDORS
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