A POPULAR US burger chain has revealed plans to open 100 UK sites with the first pulling up its shutters in weeks.
Californian fast food joint Carl’s Jr. is looking to expand on UK shores, opening 100 restaurants over the next four years.
Carl’s Jr. has announced plans to open 100 UK restaurants over the next four years[/caption]
The plans, as first reported by RestaurantOnline, will see a first site open in Cardiff, Wales, in April and a second location in southern England before summer.
David Moffat, country manager for Carl’s Jr. UK, told the publication: “We’re looking at a sturdy rollout with a target of 100 restaurants plus in four years.”
No details have been revealed for when the other 98 sites are planned to open while there is no guarantee they will open.
Carl’s Jr. was first founded in 1941 and operates more than 1,000 locations across the US and in 28 other countries.
It is known for selling meat and veg-packaged burgers as well as breakfast burritos and sandwiches.
The chain has garnered a massive following across the world, with customers preferring it to some other major chains.
Posting on X, formerly Twitter, one said: “Kinda feel like Carl’s Jr. is better than McDonald’s. Can I get an amen?”
Another said: “Man listen…Carl’s Jr. better than McDonalds…”
And a third added: “Carl’s JR is INFINITELY better than McDonald’s.”
Satnam Leihal, chief executive officer for the group, said last year after the group said it would expand into the UK: “Carl’s Jr.’s international success is a testament to its fantastic food quality and innovative approach.
“We are excited to bring the ‘Eat Like You Mean It’ experience, born in California, to the UK.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences.”
US fast food chains expand into the UK
Carl’s Jr. is just one of a number of US fast food chains expanding in the UK.
Family entertainment and dining centre Chuck E Cheese is reportedly planning to launch six branches across England and Scotland.
Milton Keynes, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol are other areas where the Texas-gbased business is keen to launch.
It comes after the fast food chain launched in Australia in early 2023.
In December, Dave’s Hot Chicken opened its first location in the UK, on Shaftesbury Avenue in London.
The Sun exclusively revealed the exact locations of its first five permanent UK restaurants.
Tex-Mex brand Velvet Taco is also making its UK debut this spring.
Meanwhile, US burger chain Wendy’s opened a number of locations last year, and currently runs 40 across the UK.
The chain returned to the UK high street in 2021 after a 20-year hiatus.
Chick-Fil-A opened the first of five restaurants in the UK last month too after exclusively revealing to The Sun in September it would launch in Northern Ireland, Leeds, Liverpool and London.
Wingstop, which currently has 57 sites across the UK, has also said it wants to open 20 more this year.
It’s not just US chains expanding into the UK either.
Amsterdam-based Fat Phill’s recently quietly pulled up the shutters on a new branch in London.
The spot in Clapham Junction welcomed in customers for the first time at the end of 2024 – its 20th opening in five years.
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