My Visit to Johnny Rockets

I went to Johnny Rockets last weekend while in Newport, Kentucky. The only time that I had been to a Johnny Rockets before was years ago in California. I thought it was one of those unique restaurants that only California had. I thought only California understood that special time in America's history where I may or may not have been served at establishments like Johnny Rockets. In fact, Johnny Rockets has spread to a lot of places including just minutes away from where I live, yet it's one of those places that I don't even acknowledge even though it's there and has been there for years. I guess I didn't think it was as special as I once did.

Boy, was I wrong. It is special. We walked into the Johnny Rockets and none other than The Scorpions' “Rock You Like a Hurricane” was playing over the speakers. Great choice by whoever selected that on the jukebox! We sat down to make our order, and were informed that french fries were not included in any sandwich that we may get. What a different era! They really emphasized the whole “separate but equal” concept back then and liked to keep their portions in check apparently. I wish the whole meal still cost 50 cents.

After ordering, our server returned and provided this for us:



As my friend John said, it was a wonderful moment for three grown men to be handed such a plate. Apparently, even ketchup was happier back in those days.

So, yes, visit Johnny Rockets. It's best to feel the Eisenhower era with a lot of framed photographs to emphasize that it is that time period and not stupid 2011.