diff --git a/packages/cli/generators/app/templates/src/application.ts.ejs b/packages/cli/generators/app/templates/src/application.ts.ejs
index 2683e3238cab..2ec25ec71d00 100644
--- a/packages/cli/generators/app/templates/src/application.ts.ejs
+++ b/packages/cli/generators/app/templates/src/application.ts.ejs
@@ -14,7 +14,10 @@ export class <%= project.applicationName %> extends BootMixin(RestApplication) {
     // Customize @loopback/boot Booter Conventions here
     this.bootOptions = {
       controllers: {
-        // Customize ControllerBooter Conventiones here
+        // Customize ControllerBooter Conventions here
+        dirs: ['controllers'],
+        extensions: ['.controller.js'],
+        nested: true,
       }
     }
   }