Johnny Rockets

Ronn Teitelbaum opened the first Johnny Rockets in 1986 as a tiny 20-stool counter on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. He modelled it, down to the counter seats and the burgers wrapped in paper, on The Apple Pan, a West Los Angeles burger counter that has been open since 1947. The idea was a sincere, not gimmicky, recreation of the malt shops of his childhood.

The chain became a mall and airport staple, with chrome, red vinyl booths, jukeboxes and staff who draw a smiley face in ketchup on your plate. It has spread to more than thirty countries, which makes it one of the more unlikely ways the world gets introduced to the idea of an American diner.

Around 90 US restaurants and a large presence in more than 30 countries.