To launch its entry into South Asia, Johnny Rockets has signed a franchise agreement with Abdul Wahab, owner of Hamden International, to open 10 restaurants in Pakistan throughout the next decade. The first location at Dolmen City Shopping Mall in Karachi is scheduled to open next spring, and Malik is aggressively targeting Lahore — the second largest city in Pakistan — for his second restaurant.
"Johnny Rockets is a brand that has massive potential in Pakistan due to its unique, nostalgic dining experience," Wahab said. "The all-American menu, twirled straws, decade-spanning music and dancing servers will be new to the Pakistani market, and the fact that we'll offer table service will align well with our family-focused dining culture."
Hamden International's parent company, Karachi-based Logistics Management International (LMI), is one of the leading logistics companies in Pakistan, offering cross-country bulk cargo transport of oil, gasoline, chemicals, commodities, containerized cargo and other products.
"Lahore is probably the most attractive market in Pakistan as far as the restaurant business is concerned," Wahab added. "All major international brands in the country have been able to capitalize by having a presence here."
"With more than 13 million and seven million residents, respectively, Karachi and Lahore represent very viable markets for Johnny Rockets' flavorful food, friendly service, uplifting music and relaxed, casual fun," said Steve Devine, president of Johnny Rockets International.
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