Johnny Rockets
A 1950s diner fantasy with a jukebox, red vinyl and ketchup drawn into a smiley face.
About 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.
Burger menu
Signature burgers first. Only burgers and sandwiches, no sides.
Where to find Johnny Rockets
123 locations on the map in 17 countries. Tap a pin for directions.Loading the map…
- United States 68
- Chile 17
- Mexico 6
- Brazil 5
- Costa Rica 5
- United Arab Emirates 2
- Poland 2
- South Korea 2
- Bahrain 1
- Malaysia 1
- Bolivia 1
- Qatar 1
- Nigeria 1
- Norway 1
- Peru 1
- Oman 1
- Italy 1
Locations as mapped by OpenStreetMap volunteers, updated October 2026. The count can trail the chain’s own figures; check the chain’s store finder before you travel. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
If you like Johnny Rockets
Chains whose signature burgers are built the same way.- Halo Burger (United States, since 1923). The original Kewpee stand from Flint, Michigan, home of the Olive Burger and the Boston Cooler. Also built on beef.
- Back Yard Burgers (United States, since 1987). A Mississippi Delta drive-thru that grills its burgers over an open flame, like at home. Also built on beef.
- Burger King (United States, since 1953). Flame-grilled since the 1950s, and still defined by one burger. Also built on beef.
- Sonic Drive-In (United States, since 1953). Order through a speaker from your car and a carhop brings the burger. Also built on beef.
Not affiliated with Johnny Rockets. Trademarks and logos belong to their owners. Descriptions are my own; nutrition figures come from the chain’s published information.