SANDUSKY, Ohio, March 5, 2001 — A “soda jerk” at the world’s largest ride and roller coaster park? Cedar Point today announced plans to open a Johnny Rockets restaurant — a popular international franchise — at the 130-year-old amusement park/resort for the 2001 season. Cedar Point’s Johnny Rockets will be the first and only one of its kind at an amusement park.
With 141 restaurants around the world, including locations in 26 states and nine countries, Johnny Rockets is internationally known for its authentic re-creation of a 1940s hamburger malt shop and is based on the philosophy of providing quality food in a fun and friendly environment. A nostalgic and simple menu of fresh hamburgers; American fries; hand-dipped made-to-order shakes and malts; chili dogs made from an exclusive all-meat recipe; homemade apple pie; and flavored fountain sodas are just a sampling of items that will be served at Cedar Point’s Johnny Rockets.
Diners will be greeted with a blast from the past with plenty of chrome and black Formica; red vinyl bar stools; framed prints of 1940s Americana; tabletop jukeboxes; and servers who pour ketchup for you, twirl straws from an old-fashioned straw dispenser and break out in song and dance — all of which are staples of what makes Johnny Rockets not only a restaurant, but also an experience.
“Cedar Point is pleased and excited to offer our guests the incomparable Johnny Rockets experience beginning this season,” said Daniel Keller, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point. “Johnny Rockets and Cedar Point are an ideal match — both define fun, quality and attention to detail in a family atmosphere. Johnny Rockets will be a wonderful addition to our vast lineup of food service at the park.”
Headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif., Johnny Rockets opened its first restaurant in 1986 on trendy Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. “We are excited to be a part of the magic of Cedar Point,” said Michael Shumsky, president and CEO of Johnny Rockets. “This is the first time a Johnny Rockets restaurant has opened inside an amusement park and we feel it is a perfect partnership.”
Cedar Point’s Johnny Rockets will be located near the park’s main entrance off the Main Midway. The Fascination game will be removed and the building will be renovated into the new Johnny Rockets restaurant.
“Fascination has been a popular fixture at Cedar Point for many years, but unfortunately, it has become very difficult to find replacement parts,” Keller said. “Because of its popularity, we explored several options to relocate the game, but cannot efficiently operate it without a source for materials.”
Guests who have enjoyed Fascination and saved their coupons over the years will be able to redeem them for prizes at Cedar Point’s arcade on the Main Midway. There will be no expiration date for redemption.
With 68 rides, including 14 roller coasters, Cedar Point is the largest ride and roller coaster park on Earth and has consistently been voted the “Best Amusement Park in the World.” Cedar Point opens for the summer on Sunday, May 6.
