What’s Happening With Old Johnny Rockets Location Inside of Crossgates Mall?

If you grew up going to Crossgates Mall you have likely been to Johnny Rockets a few times. Burgers, fries, milk shakes, and don't forget about when the staff breaks out into song. This place was so much fun to go to as a kid, and as an adult I also loved going their with friends.

The Capital Region lost quite a few familiar businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that included Johnny Rockets. It shutdown in early 2020 and since then their space inside of Crossgates just sat empty with the branding still there.  We weren't sure what was going to happen to that space. A few weeks ago some construction began around that location in the mall and it looks like it won't be something new going into the Johnny Rockets spot, but a most welcomed return of the beloved hamburger restaurant.

Read More: New 7 Brew Coming To Crossgates Commons

When is Johnny Rockets set to return?

According to the post it will be later this year. No exact date was given, but since construction has begun it is safe to assume that it will be up and running before the busy holiday season when shoppers begin to flood the mall for gift shopping.

What is Johnny Rockets?

Johnny Rockets is an iconic American hamburger restaurant that was founded in 1986. It gets its name from a combination of Johnny Appleseed and the Oldsmobile Rocket 88, according to their website. It is a nostalgic place that has old school diner vibes that you can feel from the uniforms to the music and decor.

Currently Johnny Rockets has 82 locations in the United States and 163 locations internationally. We're very happy to welcome them back to the Capital Region and at a familiar space we all knew and loved them at.

Crossgates Keeps On Growing

This is also some positive momentum for Crossgates Mall, who continue to add new stores and vendors. Barnes & Noble will soon be opening on the upper level of the mall near REI, and they're opening a new tattoo shop at the former Jay Street Games location. Jay Street Games as located just down the hallway from that previous spot. They also announced that 7 Brew will be opening a location in Crossgates Commons in late 2026.