Downtown's Happy Days
Ed Fuentes
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa takes a turn at the grill of the new Johnny Rockets at 5th and Figueroa.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Johnny Rockets held a Grand Opening full of fanfare and fries this morning. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa took some time to have a burger, fries and a chocolate shake before getting behind the counter to break in the grill. He may not be as fast as the more experienced burger masters of Johnny Rockets, but he didn't delay the ribbon cutting with Jan Perry, actress Marion Ross and other burger dignitaries.
It's the first Downtown location for the chain, but two more are in the works. Last week the Downtown News noted the chain's plans to open at 2nd and Central, as well as the AT&T Tower in South Park.
Opening day ceremonies will go on until 6pm, with music by 50s band Jonny Come Lately.
Johnny Rockets / 445 S. Figueroa / Second Level
Steve on May 16, 2008, at 03:17PM – #1
I love the last picture of him sniffing/staring at the fry. Nice to have another burger place downtown, do you know their hours?
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on May 16, 2008, at 03:40PM – #2
I was just in the neighborhood, so I dropped in to ask. 6am - 9pm, Monday through Saturday.
Scott Mercer on May 16, 2008, at 07:24PM – #3
Bah. Closed Sunday. I feel like I'm living back in New Jersey, with the Blue Laws still in effect.
jk2001 on May 18, 2008, at 05:54AM – #4
How about a Jim's?
Metro Local on May 18, 2008, at 09:12AM – #5
So the political message is?
"Los Angeles, as Mayor I've taken City government into fiscal gloom and doom so I can hike your baseline service fees while continuing to let contracts go to my fat cat political supporters. But you laid off workers can rest easy because another Johnny Rockets has opened and they may still be hiring!"
This guy's a hack who hitched his star to another hack and is now grasping for anything in the news that doesn't mention his girlfriends, absence from being mayor to help Hillary lose, City Terrace or the tattoos he's had removed.
Angelenos, pay attention and vote or pay the price without complaint.
John Crandell on May 18, 2008, at 01:03PM – #6
Look at that Jacaranda!
David Kennedy on May 18, 2008, at 11:12PM – #7
Tell me about the tatoos.
mark ferem (thehead) on May 19, 2008, at 09:37AM – #8
ED...great shot of the Mayor at the grill. Diggin' it! Now I'm hungry for the rocket. thanks for the burger coverage!
-mark
tornadoes28 on May 19, 2008, at 03:27PM – #9
NOT OPEN ON SUNDAYS!? Well, I guess that is a sign that downtown still has not fully arrived yet.
Do you know when the Little Tokyo express location will be opening?
Metro Local on May 19, 2008, at 10:43PM – #10
El barrio hommes
mark ferem (thehead) on May 20, 2008, at 08:50AM – #11
ED...great shot of the Mayor at the grill. Diggin' it! Now I'm hungry for the rocket. thanks for the burger coverage!
-mark
celia on May 20, 2008, at 12:39PM – #12
our hard-working mayor gets around - he was also at the opening of the simpsons ride at universal studios.
Urban Bruin on September 12, 2008, at 04:02PM – #13
Great new burgers at Showbiz Ribs on 6th St., between Grand and Olive...combo under $10