-- Additional Locations in Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia Planned for 2013

ALISO VIEJO, California, Feb. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- New Johnny Rockets restaurants have opened in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, two Gulf Arab States previously developed by the iconic all-American chain in a geographic area positioned for further expansion.

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The new restaurants at Kipco Tower (formerly known as United Tower) and Riyadh Exit 5 offer the flavorful all-American fare, upbeat music, timeless ambiance and engaging dining experience that guests have enjoyed since the first Johnny Rockets restaurant on the Arabian Peninsula opened more than 17 years ago. They join the stable of long-time Johnny Rockets franchise partner Haidar Al-Naqeeb, who now owns 14 Johnny Rockets in Kuwait (7), Saudi Arabia (3), Qatar (2) and Bahrain (2).

Al-Naqeeb has been a Johnny Rockets franchise partner since he opened his first restaurant at Salem Al-Mabarak in Salmiyah, Kuwait in December 1995 – Johnny Rockets' first restaurant in the Middle East. Thirteen restaurants ensued, including Saudi Arabia locations on Tahlia Street (Riyadh) and Al Rashid Mall (Al Khobar), and Kuwait locations at Kuwait Marina (Kuwait City), Salhiya Complex (Fahaheel), The Avenues Mall and Avenues II (Safat), and Fintas Towers (Halifa). Al-Naqeeb plans to develop additional restaurants in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in 2013.

"After more than 17 years as a Johnny Rockets franchise partner, Haidar knows what our Middle Eastern guests are looking for in an all-American dining experience, and he consistently delivers it with passion, dedication and integrity," said Steve Devine, President of Johnny Rockets International. "Haidar continues to position Johnny Rockets as the 'restaurant of choice' in the Gulf Arab States, and we look forward to his further expansion in this area this year."

"Kipco Tower is regarded as the tallest and most prestigious mixed-purpose residential and office building in Kuwait's premier business address, and it only invited Johnny Rockets to represent the hamburger category in its retail offering," said Al-Naqeeb. "This is a testament to the popularity of this classic hamburger chain first developed in Kuwait in 1995 that has stood the test of time in a small region saturated with newer American hamburger options. We will continue to move forward with Johnny Rockets development, and anticipate two more restaurants opening by the first half of the year in Kuwait and four more restaurants in Qatar, Bahrain and Jeddah KSA."

The new 2,755-square-foot Riyadh Exit 5 restaurant is located at King Abdulaaziz Road, Exit 5 in the Al Ghadir District, and seats 123 guests. The 861 square-foot Kipco Tower restaurant in Kuwait City, Kuwait seats 21 guests inside and 32 on the patio. Both restaurants are open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

For more information about Johnny Rockets and its franchising opportunities, go to www.johnnyrockets.com.