California-based CKE Restaurants Inc., the operator of Carl's Jr., has opened a new outlet in Kelowna as it continues discussions for new franchise agreements in Vancouver and three other western Canadian locations.
CKE, through its subsidiaries, has a total of 3,202 franchised, licensed or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 23 countries, including Canada. There are 1,278 Carl's Jr. restaurants and 1,914 Hardee's restaurants in the chain.
"We are very excited to launch Carl's Jr. in Kelowna with our great partner CKE Restaurants," said John Dowling, president of Jove Franchise Development Corp.
Jove is seeking qualified franchisees to develop the brand across Canada.
"With our longstanding history of successfully operating the Carl's Jr. brand in the Western United States, it was a natural progression to open the brand in Western Canada," said Andrew Puzder, CEO of CKE. "We are confident that the strength of our brand combined with Jove's management expertise and passion for our brand will secure a bright future for Carl's Jr. in the Canadian market."
Known for its quirky advertisements and healthy turkey burgers, the fast-food chain is taking a cue from more upscale restaurants with its steakhouse offering.
A Carl's Jr. turnkey franchise requires an investment starting at $1.3 million, including an initial franchise fee of $35,000, good for 20 years, plus a royalty fee of 4 per cent.
from Western Investor November 2011
