Shortly after adding turkey burgers to its menu, Carl's Jr. is heading to the country of Turkey.
Andrew F. Puzder, CEO of Carl's Jr.'s parent company CKE Restaurants Inc., announced the opening of the chain's first unit in Istanbul, Turkey. The restaurant, located in the popular Cevahir Shopping Mall in central Istanbul, marks the first of at least 25 Carl's Jr. locations to be opened in the country throughout the next six years.
The restaurants will be operated by FET Restoran Isletmeleri A.S.
The entry of Carl's Jr. into Turkey is part of a strategic plan by CKE Restaurants to accelerate franchise development in international markets.
"We are very pleased to welcome FET Restoran Isletmeleri A.S., as a member of the Carl's Jr. franchise family. The strength of our brand matched with the strong management depth and expertise of FET Restoran Isletmeleri A.S. in the QSR sector will secure a bright future for Carl's Jr. in the Turkish market," said Puzder. "We believe the Turkish market has tremendous potential for our brand given the strength of its economy, the youthful population base and an appreciation for premium-quality burgers. It is also a gateway for European expansion."
Currently, CKE franchises 363 international restaurants between both its Carl's Jr. and Hardee's brands. The company has strategic development plans to double its international presence within the next five years.
CKE has a total of 3,159 franchised, licensed or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 19 countries, including 1,249 Carl's Jr. restaurants and 1,899 Hardee's restaurants.
