Californian burger brand, ‘Carl’s Jr. ®’ partners with Christie & Co

This follows Carl’s Jr.’s successful expansion across Europe, where they now have over 80 sites across the region serving up their Californian-inspired burgers, chicken sandwiches and milkshakes. In the last six years, Carl’s Jr. has doubled its growth, taking its international footprint to 1,000+ restaurants in 40 countries, including mainland Europe, and they see the UK as the next step.

With the support of Christie & Co, Carl's Jr. is looking to partner with ambitious hospitality entrepreneurs/investment groups who can open at least twenty restaurants in their respective region, in the next few years, ideally with extensive restaurant experience and the financial capability. Interested franchisees are offered the opportunity to be part of a large, globally operating QSR brand from the very beginning.

Carl's Jr. is looking for franchise partners with the capability to invest in high traffic locations in and around major towns and cities in the UK. Carl’s Jr. is focused primarily in developing stand-alone restaurants from 150 sqm and up, however have a range of flexible formats to also open in high streets and shopping centres.

Thomas Kremer, Vice President, International Development, EMEA explains, “It’s key for us to work with local partners like Christie & Co, to strengthen existing and new conversations with potential franchisees and build up new relationships, especially here in the UK.”

Simon Chaplin, Senior Director – Pubs, Restaurants & Franchise at Christie & Co comments, “We are proud to have been chosen by this iconic brand to help them break into the UK market. Our extensive network of contacts, not only throughout the world of hospitality, but entrepreneurs and investors from other sectors, will enable us to attract high calibre franchisees who can match the ambitions of Carl’s Jr. The brand has a proven customer appeal, and a franchise model that works for both sides, so we expect some strong interest in the opportunity.”

Tim Lowther, General Manager for Carl’s Jr. in Europe, who is based in Manchester adds, “We are confident that Carl's Jr. has all the ingredients for success. This is a brand that will bring value into the market as it’s offering a unique proposal focused on great quality burgers and a memorable experience. With over 80 years’ experience, the company is a renowned name in restaurant franchising. We have a tremendous team on the ground in Europe that has a good understanding of the UK market, and we are excited to be bringing this brand to our future guests in the UK.”

For more information, visit the teaser page on our website: Carl’s Jr. Teaser

For further information on this press release, contact:

Bronte Hughes, Corporate Communications Manager
P: +44 7721 420 656 E: Bronte.Hughes@christie.com

ABOUT CARL’S JR. – THE RISING STAR IN QSR

Premium Californian burger brand, Carl's Jr. is characterised by a fresh brand identity, innovative systems, a varied menu, and a modern, new restaurant design with a California-cool aesthetic. The top QSR brand has not only doubled its growth in the last six years, but also increased its international presence to more than 1,000 restaurants. In Europe, Carl's Jr. is already present with 82 restaurants in Denmark, France, Spain, and Turkey, and Switzerland on schedule to open its first restaurants in late 2023. In 2022, the brand opened 19 new restaurants in Europe, with another 20 to follow this year. This annual growth number is expected to double in the region over the next three years. The reason for the highest average sales in the company's 80-year history is a thoughtful approach to growth and a positive corporate culture supported by ambitious partners.

More and more customers expect brands to inspire them. They expect their messaging to align to those specific moments in their lives. The desire for fun and enjoyment is matched by a willingness to embrace new trends, tools, ways to shop, things to eat. Unusual flavours are a special attraction and consumers are demanding an experience that is more than just a transaction.

Carl’s Jr. is always looking to exceed customer needs, with a bold, innovative food range of Chargrilled Angus Beef Burgers, Hand Breaded Chicken Sandwiches & Tenders, Hand Scooped Milkshakes and unique sides. Their restaurants are making an impact in Europe with a modern design, laid-back atmosphere and fast, attentive service. The restaurant designs are instantly recognisable and adapted to the latest requirements to serve a range of distribution and ordering channels, such as drive-thru, restaurant kiosks, online takeaway, and orders through delivery aggregators. Innovative kitchens and omnichannel concepts set the brand apart. Franchisees have access to tested technologies and a wide range of restaurant formats. These can be flexibly adapted to a variety of on-site spaces.

ABOUT CKE RESTAURANTS HOLDINGS, INC.

CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (“CKE”), a privately held company based in Franklin, Tennessee, runs and operates Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, two beloved regional brands, known for one-of-a-kind premium and innovative menu items such as 100 percent Black Angus Thickburgers® and Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™. With both a US and international footprint, Carl’s Jr. Restaurants LLC and Hardee’s Restaurants LLC have over 3,900 franchised or company-operated restaurants in 44 states and 39 foreign countries and U.S. territories.