Johnny Rockets restaurant brings some history to Kennywood
Kennywood welcomes the park's first full-service restaurant in 30 years with the official opening of Johnny Rockets on June 25.
The sit-down restaurant, located in the former carousal building, is ready to serve its famous burgers, shakes and fries with an extra side of entertainment from a singing and dancing staff.
And, best of all, for those looking for a respite from the summer sun, it's air-conditioned.
“We want families to be able to relax in a fun atmosphere,” says Jeff Filicko, Kennywood spokesman.
Kennywood's last full-service restaurant was the Parkside Cafe, before it was converted to a cafeteria.
The Johnny Rockets diner is decorated in throwback style, with a black-and-white checkered floor, red-and-white vinyl booths, a jukebox and vintage Pepsi ads.
It pays homage to the park's history with enlarged old photos. The original 1898 wooden roof is still in place.
“It's one unique way we integrated their story into our history,” Filicko says.
Johnny Rockets, an international chain that has a location at the Pittsburgh Mills, Frazer, employs 60 people at the Kennywood site, plus management staff. Melissa Luna, Johnny Rockets field-marketing manager, says collaboration between the eatery and the amusement park is a win-win.
“It's a great partnership,” she says. “We're both looking to provide family-friendly experiences, and we're both great at it.”
Little touches add to the Johnny Rockets experience. Mini jukeboxes are placed throughout the seating area, and straws are kept in tall glass containers. Sides of ketchup are served in whimsical patterns in small dishes.
Male waiters don white caps while the women wear red bows. They are all wrapped in full-length white aprons.
Every half-hour, the team takes a break to dance and sing in the diner's center to oldie hits, such as “Celebration” and “Johnny B. Goode.”
But the biggest draw is the menu, loaded with filling options perfect for refueling during a day at the park. Starters include fries that come plain or with chili, cheese or bacon ($3.79-$6.99).
One-third-pound burgers list the Smokehouse ($10.79) with smoked bacon, onion rings, cheddar cheese and barbecue-ranch sauce; or the Route 66 ($10.29) with Swiss cheese, grilled mushrooms, onions and mayo.
The menu includes melts, cheese steaks, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, salads and a kids menu.
Shakes and malts ($5.99-$6.49) come in flavors like Hershey's chocolate, banana, Butterfinger and coffee.
In addition to the tables and booths, seating is available at a counter that faces the open kitchen. Large windows let diners watch the carousel spin or the Kangaroo hop along its tiny hill.
Details: www.johnnyrockets.com
Rachel Weaver is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reachedat 412-320-7948 or rweaver@tribweb.com.
