US burger chain Carl’s Jr has entered into a partnership with Mitsuuroko Group Holdings to launch a chain of restaurants in Japan.
By agreement, Mitsuuroko will develop 150 Carl’s Jr restaurants in Japan over the next 10 years. The first Carl’s Jr will open in Tokyo in 2015 with others following in multiple markets across Japan.
“We have no doubt that with Mitsuuroko’s experience and commitment behind us, Carl’s Jr will soon become the ultimate destination for Japanese consumers seeking the most premium burger,” said Mike Murphy, president of CKE Restaurants Holdings, parent company of the Carl’s Jr brand.
“Japan is the largest burger market in Asia and our brand is well positioned to deliver the quality, taste and innovation that discerning Japanese consumers demand,” said Ned Lyerly, CKE’s president of international.
Kohei Tajima, CEO of Mitsuuroko Group Holdings, said compared with other burger chains, Carl’s Jr in Japan will offer better quality, better service, better value and better hospitality in a premium Quick Service Restaurant environment.
“Our emphasis on superior quality is a fundamental pillar to Mitsuuroko’s success. Carl’s Jr is the perfect partner for us to bring that quality orientation to the QSR category.”
Mitsuuroko is involved in Japan’s energy, real estate, health, sports and electricity industries. The agreement with CKE Restaurants and Carl’s Jr marks its first venture into the Quick Service Restaurant category.
“Mitsuuroko maintains a leadership position in each of our business sectors. That is why we chose Carl’s Jr as our first step into QSR,” said Tajima. “We are impressed with the core strengths of Carl’s Jr including its youthful brand image, edgy advertising, premium-quality menu and service, and contemporary restaurant designs that feature comfortable, upscale California-themed décor.”
Established 73 years ago in Southern California, Carl’s Jr has restaurants throughout the US and 33 other countries and US territories.
CKE Restaurants Holdings is a privately held company headquartered in Carpinteria, California which owns and operates Carl’s Jr and Hardee’s QSR restaurants.
