The franchise partner of California-based global hamburger chain Johnny Rockets opened the first of its ten restaurants in Dolmen Mall today in Karachi. In a statement, franchise partner Hamdan International said the opening was part of a strategic plan to have 10 Johnny Rockets in Pakistan by 2022.

Hamdan International Chief Executive Officer Monavar K. Ahmad said in the statement, "Johnny Rockets is recognized worldwide as the place to go for delicious food, friendly service and a fun dining experience. The company's casual ambiance, upbeat music and passion for guest engagement should be very well-received by our family-focused culture.  There's really nothing quite like Johnny Rockets here in Pakistan, and local residents and area visitors should warmly embrace what makes it so special."

All-American favorites like made-to-order burgers, classic sandwiches and crispy American Fries and rich hand-spun shakes are the featured menu in Johnny Rockets Pakistan.

The Johnny Rockets restaurant in Dolmen Mall which opens from 12 noon to midnight everyday measures 3,135 square feet and is found near the sea and boasts of a sea view. Dolmen Mall is the biggest shopping mall in Karachi which hosts around 160 high-end stores, restaurants and services.

The statement said Bandhani Group Chairman Abdul Wahab, the one who signed the franchise agreement last year and paved the way for Johnny Rockets to be brought to Pakistan, had agreed to open at least 10 restaurants in the country in the next decade.

By the end of 2014, a much larger Johnny Rockets is set to open at Z Block DHA Lahore. The planned 8,200- square foot street front restaurant will feature an exterior encased in glass. It will still have the same modern Americana décor like the one in Dolmen Mall and will serve the same menu.

Johnny Rockets Chief Executive Officer John Fuller said in the statement, "Pakistan represents an important foothold for us into the extremely viable South Asia market."