News

Carl's Jr. opens first restaurant in Australia

Carl's Jr. has arrived in Australia.

February 5, 2016

CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc, parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, announced the opening of its first Carl's Jr. restaurant in Australia. Operated by the BKG Group, the restaurant, located at 12 Bay Village Rd. in Bateau Bay, New South Wales, offers Carl's Jr.'s Angus Beef Thickburgers, Fresh Baked Buns, Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes and a coffee bar featuring barista-style coffee and desserts, according to a company press release.

"Australia is a key expansion market for Carl's Jr. and we believe that our premium quality, innovative menu items, along with our best-in-class customer service and bold, edgy advertising approach, is a perfect fit for Australia and its Young, Hungry Guys and Gals," said Ned Lyerly, president, International at CKE. "We're confident that BKG Group, led by retail innovators Brian George and Lindsay Brennan, will help us successfully build our brand in this market as they both have a strong understanding of the Australian consumer lifestyle."

"We are also in active discussions with other franchisee groups to develop the brand across the continent and we see potential for more than 300 Carl's Jr. restaurants in Australia over the next decade," continued Lyerly.

Aussies have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the first Carl's Jr. for months now with some fans lining up 24-hours before the restaurant's official opening Tuesday. To celebrate the arrival of Carl's Jr. in Australia, the restaurant gave away "A Year's Worth of Free Burgers" to the first 50 people through the door on opening day.

The Bateau Bay opening marks the beginning of an agreement between the BKG Group and CKE to develop and open 10 new Carl's Jr. restaurants in central, mid and northern New South Wales coasts. In addition to its development agreement with the BKG Group, CKE will also open a Carl's Jr. restaurant at the Brisbane airport in July 2016 and the Hobart airport in late 2016, the release stated.

"Carl's Jr. fills a gap in the market for a premium quality burger experience at the price and convenience of fast food," said Lindsay Brennan, General Manager of the BKG Group. "With our high quality food, edgy marketing and industry leading service, we know that Carl's Jr. will be a huge hit with the Australian consumer."