Get Your Fill of Vegan American Diner Classics at Johnny Rockets: How to Order Plant-Based

If you’re looking for that all-American diner experience, Johnny Rockets is a favorite for many people across the US. Founded back in the 1980s, the popular chain now has more than 100 locations across the country (and many more internationally). But is it possible to order vegan food at the chain, which is known for its meaty burgers and creamy milkshakes? It turns out, Johnny Rockets actually has a few plant-based menu items. Here’s what you need to know.

Does Johnny Rockets have vegan food?

Back in 2021, Johnny Rockets started trialing meat-free cheeseburgers and dairy-free milkshakes for a limited period. At the time, Andy Wiederhorn, the former CEO of the chain’s parent company FAT Brands, indicated that the vegan launch was happening in recognition of the fact that plant-based demand was growing among consumers.

“The Johnny Rockets environment and menu delivers a piece of nostalgic Americana at locations around the globe,” he said. “While that will always be the most evident and fun part of the Johnny Rockets experience, we also acknowledge the future, which is plant-based.”

Wiederhorn added that FAT Brands had already “seamlessly” integrated plant-based options at its other restaurants, such as fast-casual chain Fatburger. “These product offerings have performed well to date at other concepts of ours, and we hope to incorporate as long-standing menu additions at Johnny Rockets, as well.”

RELATED: These Vegan Fast-Food Chains Rival McDonald’s and Burger King

And FAT Brands has stayed true to Wiederhorn’s word. Five years on from his comments, there are still plant-based options on the menu at Johnny Rockets. 

The best vegan options to order from Johnny Rockets

Satisfy your appetite for classic diner fare with these vegan items at Johnny Rockets. (Note: options vary by location.)

Johnny Rockets

1 The Impossible Original

Many Johnny Rockets restaurants offer Impossible Foods’ Impossible Burger, which is made with ingredients like soy protein, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and heme. However, while some locations may offer dairy-free cheese, this menu item may need a little customization to ensure it’s vegan. Make sure to request your order without mayonnaise, for example, which is made with eggs. 

Johnny Rockets

2 Garden Salad

If in doubt, order a salad. Johnny Rockets’ Garden Salad is an easy and quick plant-based option, but just make sure to ask for it without the cheese (yep, this menu item comes topped with shredded Cheddar!).

Johnny Rockets

3 Tater tots

If you prefer crispy tater tots with your burger (or salad!), then Johnny Rockets doesn’t disappoint. Complete your order with its selection of vegan-friendly condiments, including ketchup, mustard, and barbecue sauce.

Johnny Rockets

4 French fries

This one may seem like an obvious one, but not all fries from fast-food chains are vegan. You can find out more about that here! But Johnny Rockets French fries are pretty safe, as they’re cooked in vegetable oil instead of animal fat. That said, note that Johnny Rockets prepares many non-vegan menu items, so cross-contamination may still occur.

Johnny Rockets

5 Milkshakes

No trip to an American diner is complete without a thick, creamy milkshake, but unfortunately, vegans usually have to miss out on this menu favorite. However, this is not the case at some Johnny Rockets locations. The chain now offers a range of Craig’s Vegan Shakes at select locations, including chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors.