Following the successful footsteps of American fast-food giants like Shake Shack and Wendy’s, Carl’s Jr. is eager to heat up the UK burger scene. The popular chain has revealed its ‘ambitious’ expansion plans, aiming to establish nearly 100 restaurants across the country. With its unwavering commitment to quality, Carl’s Jr. has gained widespread recognition for its chargrilled burgers, crispy chicken goujons, and indulgent milkshakes, making it a firm favorite among food enthusiasts.
Tim Lowther, General Manager for Europe and Russia, emphasized the brand’s determination to make a significant impact: “Opening one or two restaurants is not a successful launch for us.” He elaborated on Carl’s Jr.’s global ambitions: “We have doubled our international footprint in the last six years to 1000 restaurants internationally and plan on doubling it again in the next five years.”
One of Carl’s Jr.’s most sought-after menu items is the fiery El Diablo burger, a culinary masterpiece featuring a potato bun, charbroiled beef, habanero sauce, bacon, jalapeños, pepperjack cheese, and jalapeño popper bites. The El Diablo has garnered a loyal following due to its tantalizing blend of flavors, earning praise from fans like Roberta Padgett: “I’m not going to lie, they beat McDonald’s by a long shot.”
Carl’s Jr., established in 1941 in Southern California, has grown into a culinary empire with over 1,100 restaurants spanning 35 countries. The UK expansion marks the latest chapter in the Californian chain’s European conquest, following successful ventures in Turkey, Switzerland, Spain, Denmark, and France.
The UK launch is made possible through a partnership with Boparan Restaurant Group. Mike Woida, President of Carl’s Jr.’s parent company CKE International, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “As part of our strategic growth plan, the UK has been a key target for some time.” He added, “BRG’s proven success and shared vision for Carl’s Jr. in the UK make them the perfect partner.”
With the arrival of Carl’s Jr. in the UK, the fast-food landscape is set to witness a surge of competition. Following the success of Wendy’s and Popeyes in recent years, Carl’s Jr. is poised to capture the hearts and palates of British burger lovers. Whether you prefer the classic chargrilled patty or the audacious El Diablo, one thing is for certain: the UK burger scene is about to get a whole lot more exciting.
