Carl's Jr to open first UK restaurants in partnership with Boparan

Californian fast food brand Carl’s Jr is to launch its first restaurants in the UK in partnership with Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG).

BRG, which operates the Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Carluccio’s brands, has signed a master license agreement to roll out the burger brand in the UK and Ireland.

Carl’s Jr was founded by Carl Karcher in Southern California in 1941 and is known for its menu of chargrilled burgers, chicken tenders and ice cream shakes.

The group now has over 1,100 international restaurants operating across more than 35 countries.

The BRG deal will extend Carl’s Jr’s footprint in Europe, where it has restaurants in Spain, France, Denmark, Turkey and Switzerland.

Mike Woida, president of Carl’s Jr parent company CKE International, said: “As part of our strategic growth plan, the UK has been a key target for some time.

“BRG’s proven success and shared vision for Carl’s Jr. in the UK make them the perfect partner. We look forward to serving our guests in the region and continuing our global growth journey.”

CKE is also behind the Hardee’s fast food restaurant chain and has more than 3,600 franchised and company-operated sites under both brands worldwide.

Carl’s Jr is the latest North American fast food brand to enter the UK market following the success of the likes of Five Guys, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Shake Shack.