CARPINTERIA, Calif. — CKE Restaurants Inc. has signed development agreements to open 25 new Hardee's restaurants in Pakistan.
The agreements are with MDS Foods Pte. Ltd., which over the next five years will open 15 Hardee's units in Lahore, and Global Food Connection LLC, which will open 10 Hardee's in Karachi over the next four years.
The Pakistan agreements are part of CKE's overall strategic plan to accelerate franchise development in international markets. CKE Restaurants franchises 294 international units between both its Carl's Jr. and Hardee's brands. CKE is expected to open its 300th international restaurant during the second quarter of the current fiscal year.
"We are pleased to have MDS Foods and Global Food Connection as a part of the CKE team. Both companies have demonstrated a passion for our brand and a strong desire to offer the best quality food and service available in the Pakistan market," said Andrew F. Puzder, president and chief executive officer of CKE Restaurants Inc.
Sohail Yousaf, CEO of MDS Foods added, "People in Pakistan are looking for a change in their fast-food choices, and the market is mature enough now to cater to various multinational quick-serve brands. The most encouraging thing for us is the extremely positive response and level of awareness that we have received from our target customers on Hardee's entry into the market."
Shabbir Siddiqui, president of Global Food Connection, said, "Hardees's will bring premium charbroiled burgers and a unique dining experience to Pakistan that will fulfill the needs of fast-food lovers in the region."
