Johnny Rockets
Franchising since 1986 · 36 locations
The total investment to open a Johnny Rockets franchise ranges from $202,300 - $865,000. The initial franchise fee is $50,000. Ongoing royalties are 6% plus a 4% advertising fee. Johnny Rockets currently operates 36 locations (36 franchised). The top SBA 7(a) lenders for Johnny Rockets are PNC Bank, Banc of California and United Business Bank. PeerSense FPI health score: 29/100.
$202,300 - $865,000
$50,000
36
36 franchised
Proprietary PeerSense metric
LimitedActive capital sources verified for Johnny Rockets financing
SBA
7(a) Eligible
21d
Avg Funding
P+2.25%
Best Rate
No retainers · Referral fee at closing
FPI Score Breakdown
Established (25-99 loans)
SBA Lending Performance
SBA Default Rate
28.8%
15 of 52 loans charged off
SBA Loans
52
Total Volume
$26.9M
Active Lenders
30
States
15
Top SBA Lenders for Johnny Rockets
What is the Johnny Rockets franchise?
Johnny Rockets, headquartered in LOS ANGELES, CA, represents a distinctive segment within the full-service restaurant category, offering a nostalgic journey back to classic Americana. Established as a purveyor of timeless diner fare, the brand has cultivated a unique identity centered around a vibrant 1950s aesthetic, complete with checkered floors, red vinyl booths, and a jukebox playing hits from a bygone era. This immersive atmosphere is meticulously crafted to transport guests to a simpler time, providing an experience that extends beyond mere dining into a form of entertainment. The menu is a celebration of iconic American comfort food, featuring expertly crafted burgers, crispy fries, and indulgent hand-spun milkshakes, all prepared with an unwavering commitment to quality and freshness. Each item reflects a dedication to authentic flavors that resonate with a broad demographic, from families seeking a fun meal to individuals yearning for a taste of nostalgia. The full-service restaurant model emphasizes attentive and friendly service, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and valued, contributing significantly to repeat patronage and brand loyalty. The Johnny Rockets franchise model leverages this established brand recognition and operational blueprint, offering prospective owners an opportunity to capitalize on a beloved concept with a clear market position. Its appeal lies in its ability to offer a consistent, high-energy dining experience that differentiates it within a competitive culinary landscape. This distinct positioning allows the brand to attract customers looking for more than just a meal, but rather an engaging and memorable outing. The brand’s enduring charm and widespread recognition across various age groups underscore its robust market presence and potential for sustained appeal in diverse geographic locations, making the Johnny Rockets franchise a compelling proposition for those seeking to invest in
FPI Score
29/100
SBA Default Rate
28.8%
Active Lenders
30
Key Highlights
Franchise Financing Resources
Data Insights
Key performance metrics for Johnny Rockets based on SBA lending data
SBA Default Rate
28.8%
15 of 52 loans charged off
SBA Loan Volume
52 loans
Across 30 lenders
Lender Diversity
30 lenders
Avg 1.7 loans per lender
Investment Tier
Significant investment
$202,300 – $865,000 total
Johnny Rockets — Deep SBA Data
Brand-specific metrics derived directly from SBA 7(a) approval records — peak lending year, leading state, average loan size, and lender concentration. PeerSense computes these per brand so capital advisors and prospective franchisees can benchmark this opportunity against the rest of the franchise universe.
Peak SBA Year
2016
5 approvals — best year on record for Johnny Rockets.
Top SBA State
California
12 SBA-financed Johnny Rockets locations — the densest operator footprint.
Average Loan Size
$516K
Median $448K — use as a sizing anchor when modeling your own $Johnny Rockets unit.
Lender Concentration
25%
Moderately Spread
Share of Johnny Rockets approvals captured by the top 3 SBA lenders.
Johnny Rockets's SBA lending pipeline peaked in 2016 (5 approvals). The last five fiscal years account for 4% of cumulative volume ($1.2M approved). Operator density is highest in California with 12 SBA-financed locations. Average funded ticket sits at $516K, with the median at $448K. Lender mix is moderately spread: the top three SBA lenders account for 25% of approvals — meaningful choice exists but specific lenders carry the brand.
Payment Estimator
Estimated Monthly Payment
$2,094
Principal & Interest only
Locations
Johnny Rockets — unit breakdown
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