Wed 15th Mar 2023 - Quick service US burger brand Carl’s Jr steps up plans to enter UK market Quick service US burger brand Carl’s Jr steps up plans to enter UK market: Quick service US burger brand Carl’s Jr has stepped up its plans to enter the UK market, and is seeking franchise partners to aid its launch and roll out here. With the support of Christie & Co, Carl's Jr is looking to partner with “ambitious hospitality entrepreneurs/investment groups” that can open at least 20 restaurants in their respective region, in the next few years, “ideally with extensive restaurant experience and the financial capability”. It follows Carl’s Jr’s expansion across Europe, where the brand now has more than 80 sites across the region serving its 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-plus sites in 40 countries, including mainland Europe, and the company said it sees the UK as the next step. With the aid of Christie & Co, Carl's Jr, which was founded in 1941, said it was looking for franchise partners with the capability to invest in high traffic locations in and around major towns and cities in the UK. It said it is focused primarily in developing stand-alone restaurants from 150 square metres and up. However, it also has a range of flexible formats to also open in high streets and shopping centres. Tim Lowther, general manager for Carl’s Jr in Europe, who is based in Manchester, said: “We are confident 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 more than 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 the UK.” Simon Chaplin, senior director – pubs, restaurants and franchise at Christie & Co, added: “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.” CKE Restaurants, which owns Carl’s Jr, has been looking at launching the brand in the UK since the turn of the past decade. In October 2021, Carl’s Jr signalled its intentions to launch in the UK by joining the British Franchise Association.