GLOBAL EYE

US brand Carl's Jr. is opening up to brand new franchisees in Australia and plans to open up to 200 restaurants by 2031; 27 new outlets are expected to open within 12 months.

Since the brand launched here in 2017 it's been operated under four separate franchise agreements, with each franchisee group building its own mini-empire of outlets.

Now the Victorian operator, CJ's QSR, which already owns and operates 11 corporate sites in Victoria, and one in Wetherill Park, Sydney, has been assigned the rights as a master franchisee for Australia to roll out more franchised outlets.

CJ's QSR is seeking new franchisees in all states and territories except SA/NT (which is operated under a separate exclusive agreement).

Andrew Firn, managing director of CJ's QSR, told Inside Franchise Business the support office is up and running and it is "full steam ahead".

"We are passionate about Carl’s Jr. and have been buoyed by the appetite that exists in the Australian market for our Chargrilled Burgers,” he said, predicting the rollout will escalate.