News

Carl’s Jr. readies for New Zealand debut

July 18, 2011

Carl's Jr. will open its first unit in south Auckland, New Zealand Wednesday, the first of up to 50 stores planned in the country.

According to TVNZ, the new Carl's Jr. is located in Takanini, with another planned for St. John by September.

Carl's Jr. is looking to develop about 25 restaurants within the next five years, and up to 50 within seven to 10 years. Most of them will be franchised.

The California-based chain was introduced to the country by Forsgren NZ Limited, owned by Carl's Jr. American Samoa operator Barry Forsgren.

According to the story, the New Zealand quick-service market is approaching the $2 billion mark, with burger chains representing almost one-third of that.

McDonald's is also planning a New Zealand expansion beyond its current 150-unit footprint, while Burger King has 70 units in the country, and Wendy's has 15.