Johnny Rockets Launches in Scarsdale

I remember the first time I ate at a Johnny Rockets while I was on vacation with my family in Cancun. While not exactly a unique cultural experience, I do remember loving its ambiance, and more importantly, the burgers, shakes and fries. There was something so sentimental and charming about the restaurant that I even purchased a T-shirt on my way out.

My first Johnny Rockets meal was roughly six years ago. Since then, the retro diner franchise has steadily gained popularity, popping up all over the tri-state area — including Scarsdale. 

Johnny Rockets, which officially opened in Scarsdale on May 31, describes itself as an "international restaurant chain that provides food fun and friendliness reminiscent of the feel good Americana of the 1950s.” And boy, does it.

“We have the 1950s look and feel, authentic décor and table tops. This location is also different from any other Johnny Rockets because of the menu,  said Co-Director of Operation Vicki Weisse. "Our menu has an array of salads and desserts. We also have Last Licks ice cream from Steiner's Last Licks, which is local, and we have beer and wine, which some locations have, but not all. Our demographics call for it. We  also have to cater to the fit and trim women of Eastchester and Scarsdale, so we offer salads.” 

Vicki Weisse, who co-directs the Scarsdale Johnny Rockets with her husband Dan Weisse, said that the two have 50 combined years of experience.

“My family owns diners, so I have been working for them for many, many years. The restaurant business is how I grew up,” Vicki Weisse said. “While kids were playing with Mr. Potato Head, I was cleaning potatoes.”

Vicki and Dan Weisse opened the first Johnny Rockets in Westchester almost two years ago in Mount Kisco, and they don’t plan on stopping in Scarsdale. “This is a private investment group, and we're looking to open several more in the future," Vicki Weisse said.

Vicki Weisse describes the first two weeks as being “incredible” and “amazing” due to the welcoming community. “I’ve been doing this for 30 years, and it’s exhilarating to see so many people come in and greet us. Everyone is so welcoming,” she said.

Vicki Weisse said that she and her husband chose Scarsdale to open their business due to an open market for a fast food venue. 

"When Friendly’s went out of business, there was a void for this type of place,” Vicki Weisse said.

According to Vicki Weisse, she has encountered several minor challenges while working under the franchise’s guidelines.

“Working independently, you cater to your own menu," Vicki Weisse said. "With a franchise, you have to stick to the menu. It took a little getting used to. There are more guidelines. It's a little difficult for a Greek girl to hear, 'You can't put chicken parmesan or meatloaf on the menu!'"

Another challenge was choosing staff.

“They went through a microscope with my husband and me. It's an invitation to work for us. We don't just take anybody," Vicki Weisse said. "We have to make sure that the guests get the full experience — from the hostess, to the server, to the food coming out promptly. You need people who take direction well.”

Vicki Weisse hopes that the Scarsdale and Eastchester community will continue to welcome the fun food spot with open arms and mouths. 

“We're going to be like the local family hangout where we can cater to everybody's taste buds. A little bit of everything for every one," Vicki Weisse said.

Johnny Rockets is located on 777 White Plains Road, and is open 
Sunday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Delivery is available from 11 a.m. to closing time.