New To Colombia: First Carl’s Jr. Fast Casual Hamburger Restaurant Opens in Bogotá
Hamburger purveyor Carl’s Jr. continues its Latin America expansion with the opening of its first restaurant in Colombia last week. Located at Parque de La 93 on Bogotá’s north side, the restaurant marks the first of a multi-unit development agreement between Carl’s Jr. parent company CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (CKE) and International Meal Company (IMC). IMC is developing Carl’s Jr. restaurants in Colombia, Panama, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Brazil.
Above photo: Carl’s Jr. at Parque 93 in Bogotá’s Chicó neighborhood opened this past week.
“We are very pleased to expand our partnership with International Meal Company to bring our premium, California-style burgers to Colombian diners,” said Ned Lyerly, CKE President of international operations. “With 229 restaurants open and operating in Latin America, Colombia is a strategically important market to help us build momentum in the region. We’ve seen tremendous success and enthusiasm for our best-in-class product offering and our premium approach to service throughout Latin America and we are certain that Colombians will enjoy the superior burger experience that only Carl’s Jr. can offer.”
Originating in California, Carl’s Jr. is a fast casual restaurant chain that offers Black Angus Beef, and artisan, handmade milkshakes. Items are made to order, and served tableside in California-themed décor. With the restaurant opening in Columbia, CKE now licenses 633 Carl’s Jr. and sister-chain Hardee’s restaurants in 35 countries.
“It is a great honor to bring Carl’s Jr. to Colombia,” said Javier Gavilan, CEO of IMC. “The premium products at Carl’s Jr. and excellent service set us apart from the competition and will deliver an ultimate dining experience to the discerning Colombian consumer. Colombians are real burger enthusiasts and we know they will appreciate the high-quality ingredients, fresh preparations and innovative flavors that are the hallmarks of our distinctive and delicious charbroiled burgers.”