US burger brand Carl's Jr reveals location of first UK restaurant

Californian burger chain Carl’s Jr is set to open its first UK restaurant in Cardiff this April.

Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG), which is behind the Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Carluccio’s, has signed a master license agreement to roll out the brand in the UK and Ireland.

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

Its debut 50-cover UK site will open in central Cardiff and create 40 local jobs.

BRG said the site would blend “Carl’s Jr’s signature West Coast vibe with a welcoming atmosphere tailored to British tastes”.

It said the launch was “just the beginning” of its plans with more restaurants expected to follow in the near future.

“Carl’s Jr. has a reputation for delivering high-quality, crave-worthy food that stands out in the burger market,” said David Moffat, country manager, Carl’s Jr UK.

“We’re thrilled to bring this iconic brand to Cardiff, our first location in the UK. We’ve had incredible interest from fans eager to experience the Carl’s Jr difference, and we can’t wait to welcome them this April.”

Carl’s Jr operates over 1,100 international restaurants across 38 countries and plans to beef up its global expansion.

It has a growing presence in Europe, with over 90 restaurants in Spain, France, Denmark, Turkey and Switzerland.

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