The 50-cover restaurant will be launched by Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG), which signed a master license agreement for Carl’s Jr. in the UK last year.
Restaurant understands that the group has secured a site within St David’s, the Welsh capital’s biggest shopping centre, although this is yet to be confirmed by BRG.
“We’re thrilled to bring this iconic brand to Cardiff, our first location in the UK,” says David Moffat, country manager for Carl’s Jr. UK.
“Carl’s Jr. has a reputation for delivering high-quality, crave-worthy food that stands out in the burger market.
“We’ve had incredible interest from fans eager to experience the Carl’s Jr. difference, and we can’t wait to welcome them this April.”
Restaurant first revealed back in 2021 that Carl’s Jr. was looking to enter the UK market.
In March 2023 it was announced that the brand, which currently operates across more than 35 international markets, had instructed property agent Christie & Co to seek out franchise partners to facilitate a national rollout.
Carl’s Jr.’s UK menu Carl’s Jr. will feature its ‘signature’ angus burgers, hand-breaded chicken tenders, and ice-cream shakes.
Founded in 1941, Carl’s Jr. is one of the most popular QSR chains in the world, operating more than 3,600 franchised or company-operated restaurants across its US and international footprint.
The brand has previously said it sits in what it calls the ‘QSR plus’ sector and that menu prices will be comparable or slightly above existing brands – most notably Burger King and McDonald’s.
BRG has already demonstrated its ability to successfully grow a US brand in the UK. The group brought US-founded fast casual brand Slim Chickens to the UK in 2018 and has so grown it to more than sites across the country.
The group says more Carl’s Jr. sites are expected to open in the UK in the near future, though details remain under wraps for now.
