Jhonny Mercado has been a multi-unit restaurant owner since 1998, beginning with Wendy’s locations in Venezuela. He founded JAI in 2007 and began acquiring restaurants in the United States. In 2014, JAI took a major step forward by merging with another franchisee, WenRod, to form JAE Restaurant Group. By 2021, JAE operated more than 225 Wendy’s restaurants across Texas, New Mexico, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida earning multiple excellence awards from the brand.
Following a strategic transition, Jhonny retained ownership of 61 Wendy’s restaurants in Texas, New Mexico, and Tennessee, and re-established JAI. Shortly after, the company expanded by acquiring 10 additional Wendy’s locations in South Carolina.
In 2023, JAI diversified its portfolio by acquiring 20 Taco Bell restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia. Today, the company employs over 3,000 team members and remains committed to growth while honoring Dave Thomas’ vision of quality and community.
Jhonny Mercado & Andres Garcia joined the Wendy’s Family in Venezuela.
Jhonny Mercado & Andres Garcia acquired first 3 Restaurants in Miami, Florida. Founded JAI International Investment.
Jhonny Mercado Purchased 2 Additional Restaurants.
JAI International Investment acquired 14 restaurants in West Palm Beach & Tampa, Florida.
JAI International Investment acquired 15 restaurants in Miami & Tampa, Florida.
JAI International Investment through New Builds & Acquisitions are Operating 37 Restaurants out of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, & Tampa, Florida.
JAI International Investment developed & opened 2 new restaurants.
JAI International Investment received the Exceptional Employer Award from Florida Governor Rick Scott.
JAI International Investment acquired 25 Restaurants out of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
JAI & WenRod merged companies to become JAE Restaurant Group with 75 Total Restaurants
JAE acquired 15 Restaurants from El Paso, Texas & including 2 New Builds brings JAE to 92 Restaurants.
JAE acquired 42 additional Restaurants in Ft. Lauderdale & West Palm Beach, Florida.
JAE acquired 44 additional Restaurants in Miami, Florida, Florida.
JAE acquired 34 Restaurants out of Knoxville, Tennessee.
JAE acquired 4 new restaurants in Florida.
JAE acquired 13 restaurants in Daytona, Florida.
JAE received “Best Operator of the Year Award” from Wendy’s corporate, and “Culture at Work Award” from ADP.
JAE sold part of its restaurants. JAI kept 74 locations including 10 recently acquired locations in South Carolina.
JAI opened 4 new restaurants, 2 in Texas and 2 in Tennessee.
JAI expanded its footprint, to include 7 restaurants in Augusta, Georgia.
JAI added 2 more restaurants in Charleston, Carolina.
JAI became a part of the Taco Bell concept by acquiring 20 Taco Bell restaurants located in Atlanta, GA.
JAI opened 4 new restaurants, 1 in Tennessee, 1 in South Carolina, and 2 in Texas.
JAI acquired 2 restaurants in Aiken, South Carolina.
JAI opened 4 new restaurants, 2 in Tennessee and 2 in Texas.
JAI acquired 4 restaurants in North Augusta, South Carolina.