If you’ve ever fulfilled a craving for a burger, shake, and fries, you may have done so at the restaurant Johnny Rockets. The chain, which has locations in 30 states and 16 countries, celebrates good food and old-fashioned Americana with its 1940s diner atmosphere.

Three Galaxy chandeliers shine in an updated Johnny Rockets location 

(photo credit: restaurant development + design magazine)

Recently, the successful 26-year-old chain decided it was time to spruce up its look. It entrusted the makeover to Morris Nathanson Design, who then appealed to Rejuvenation’s expert and experienced trade team. The designers needed lighting that complemented the restaurant’s new look – a late ’60s/early ’70s style defined by chrome details, warm wood paneling, and accents of Johnny Rockets’ signature red. Given our broad assortment of period-authentic styles, we had just the thing to evoke a mid-century mood: the Galaxy.

As with all our reproduction lighting, the Galaxy is based on a period original: the Stockholm series, manufactured by EJS lighting in 1959. This sleek chandelier features Atomic Age details, including a streamlined hourglass profile and perforated aluminum shades that create a lovely starlight effect. Because we make the Galaxy with two to five arms, the design team could select the largest version to suit the proportions of the restaurant.

But there was more beyond the Galaxy. Plans for the new interior also called for lights over the dining counter to match the chandeliers. Happily, Rejuvenation could supply the perfect fixtures…but first we had to design them.

In our 36 years of helping trade customers, we’ve learned that no two projects are ever the same (nor would we want them to be!). That’s why we offer customization options like finish, shade, length, and arm choices, and we also craft special order pieces–lighting that’s not on our regular menu, if you will. For Johnny Rockets, we knew we needed to come up with a unique solution, so we set to work creating it.

And so the Rokot was launched – a single pendant version of the Galaxy chandelier. We liked the finished piece so much that we later added it to our Mid-Century Modern Collection.

 The Rokot – Mid-Century Modern pendant

In the end, it was a match made in burger heaven. Not only did we get to create a fun new fixture, we helped out a brand that shares our love for classic American design.