Internationally renowned, premium Californian burger brand, Carl’s Jr.® has exclusively instructed specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co to support its launch into the UK market. The new partnership will see Christie & Co seek out several franchise partners to roll out the top quick service restaurant (QSR) brand nationally.
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.”
