The U.S. quick service restaurant chain Carl’s Jr. has exclusively instructed Christie & Co, the business property advisers, to support its launch into the UK market.
The new partnership will see Christie & Co seek out several franchise partners to roll out the restaurant brand nationally, following on from Carl’s Jr.’s successful expansion in Europe, with over 80 sites across the region serving its Californian-inspired burgers, chicken sandwiches and milkshakes.
Christie & Co reports that in the last six years, Carl’s Jr. has doubled its growth, taking its international footprint to over 1,000 restaurants in 40 countries, including mainland Europe, and the brand sees 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 20 restaurants in their respective region, in the next few years. Franchisees ideally would have extensive restaurant experience and the capability to invest in high traffic locations in and around major towns and cities in the UK.
Carl’s Jr. explains that it is focusing primarily in developing stand-alone restaurants from 150 sq. metres and upward, however it does have a range of flexible formats that are suitable for high street locations and shopping centres.
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Thomas Kremer, vice-president, international development EMEA for Carl’s Jr. 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 and 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.”
Carl’s Jr. says its restaurants are characterised by a fresh brand identity, attentive service, varied menu, and a modern restaurant design with a California-cool aesthetic, offering a bold, food range of Chargrilled Angus Beef Burgers, Hand Breaded Chicken Sandwiches & Tenders, Hand Scooped Milkshakes and unique sides.
In Europe, Carl’s Jr. currently has 82 restaurants across Denmark, France, Spain and Turkey, with Switzerland scheduled to open its first Carl’s Jr. restaurants later this year.
Posted: 15th March, 2023