California-based CaliBurger will debut into Hong Kong and expand in China.

It has signed a franchise agreement with a group of investors to open the first CaliBurger restaurant in Hong Kong this year.

In China, where it already has a presence, CaliBurger intends to open a dozen new restaurants over the next 18 months. It will open a new restaurant at Seasons Mall in Guangzhou next month, to be followed shortly with another one in Shanghai.

“Hong Kong is the financial center of Asia and is home to one of the most diverse populations in the world,” said Charles Liao, CEO of CaliBurger China.

“The opening of CaliBurger in Hong Kong will allow millions of people to enjoy California’s best burgers and chicken sandwiches and get a glimpse of emerging fashion, music and technology trends from California.”

The Hong Kong-based franchisee will contract with a local restaurant management company to build and manage the restaurant.

“With the launch of CaliBurger Hong Kong, we expect the CaliBurger brand to proliferate rapidly in Southeast Asia,” said John Miller, chairman of CaliBurger.

“Our business development team and Fransmart are currently focused on selecting the best franchisees in key markets throughout the Southeast Asia region.”

Established by group of entrepreneurs from California, Caliburger offers burgers and chicken sandwiches.