​Carl's Jr. Eyes UK Growth, Partners with Boparan Restaurant Group

Carl's Jr., a renowned Californian burger brand, is set to expand into the UK market through a strategic partnership with Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG). This new master license agreement grants BRG the exclusive rights to open, operate, and franchise Carl's Jr. restaurants throughout the UK and Ireland. The move was first hinted at in 2021, and further developments were made public last March when Carl's Jr. tasked Christie & Co. with finding franchise partners to support a nationwide rollout.

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Satnam Leihal, CEO of BRG, expressed enthusiasm for the venture, stating, "Carl's Jr.'s international success speaks for itself. The brand offers fantastic food quality and brilliant innovation, and we look forward to replicating the experience in the UK." Founded in 1941, Carl's Jr. is a significant player in the global QSR sector, operating over 3,600 locations worldwide. It is positioned in the 'QSR plus' category, with pricing set to be on par or slightly higher than that of significant competitors like Burger King and McDonald's.

BRG has a history of cultivating successful American brands in the UK, notably introducing Slim Chickens in 2018 and expanding it to 52 sites. Mike Woida, president of CKE International, which owns Carl's Jr., commented on the partnership's potential: "BRG has a proven record of success and shares our vision for Carl's Jr. in the UK. We look forward to serving our guests in the region as we continue our path toward global growth."

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