Jhonny Mercado has been multi-unit restaurant owners since 1998, starting with Wendy’s restaurants in Venezuela. They founded JAI in 2007, and began acquiring restaurants in the United States. In 2014, JAI took a large leap, merging with another franchisee called WenRod to create JAE Restaurant Group. By 2021, JAE owned & operated over 225 Wendy’s restaurants in TX, NM, TN, GA & FL, winning numerous excellence awards from the brand. Jhonny decided to branch off and keep 61 Wendy’s restaurants in TX, NM & TN. Immediately after this transition, JAI was formed and acquired 10 restaurants in SC. With currently more than 3,000 employees, JAI is eager to continue growing in the near future and keep Dave Thomas’ legacy alive. In 2023, JAI expanded its portfolio by incorporating 20 Taco Bell restaurants located in Atlanta, GA.
Currently, JAI owns and operates 89 Wendy's and 20 Taco Bell restaurants in the United States, and 20 Wendy's restaurants in Panama.
