A new Chandler restaurant gives the classic diner brand its seventh Arizona location as FAT Brands continues expanding its presence in the state.
- Johnny Rockets opens a new location in Chandler Fashion Center.
- This marks the brand's seventh location in Arizona.
- Richard Riva, a seasoned franchisee, emphasizes the brand's enduring presence in the state.
Johnny Rockets is continuing its expansion in Arizona by opening a new restaurant at Chandler Fashion Center, bringing the brand’s total locations in the state to seven. The restaurant is part of FAT Brands Inc., the franchising company that owns Johnny Rockets and 12 other restaurant concepts. The Chandler opening adds to the brand’s presence in a market that company executives describe as an important area for continued growth.
Jake Berchtold, president of FAT Brands’ Fast Casual Division, said the seventh Arizona location reflects the momentum Johnny Rockets has built in the state. The new restaurant is positioned within Chandler Fashion Center, a major retail destination, allowing the brand to reach shoppers, families and other visitors in the area.
The location is operated by longtime Johnny Rockets franchisee Richard Riva, who said the Chandler opening builds on the franchisee’s existing presence in Arizona. Riva also pointed to the brand’s Arizona history, which includes what Johnny Rockets describes as the world’s longest-running location. The company’s classic positioning centers on cooked-to-order burgers, hand-spun shakes and an upbeat diner atmosphere that has remained central to the concept since its first restaurant opened in Los Angeles in 1986.
The expansion comes as Johnny Rockets continues to rely on its recognizable American diner identity while extending its reach through franchising. The brand now operates across the United States and more than 25 other countries, giving the Arizona development a place within a broader international footprint.
For franchise systems adding locations, maintaining consistency becomes increasingly important as teams, markets and daily operations grow. Gorilla Dash includes a Knowledge Base that can help franchise teams organize training materials, operational guidance and other information in one accessible place. A centralized resource can make it easier for operators and employees to find the information they need while supporting consistent execution across multiple locations. For Johnny Rockets, the Chandler opening represents another step in building its Arizona presence while keeping the brand’s familiar experience at the center of its expansion.
Key Facts:
| New Location | Johnny Rockets opens at Chandler Fashion Center, Arizona, marking its seventh state location. |
|---|---|
| Expansion Focus | Arizona remains a key growth area for Johnny Rockets' expansion. |
| Franchise Leadership | President of FAT Brands’ Fast Casual Division, Jake Berchtold, highlights the state's importance. |
| Franchisee Experience | Richard Riva, a veteran franchisee, references Arizona’s historical ties with Johnny Rockets. |
| Brand History | Johnny Rockets, founded in 1986, has become a recognized participant in the fast-casual dining sphere. |
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