CARPINTERIA, Calif. (AP) – CKE Restaurants Inc. said Tuesday that it has opened its first Carl’s Jr. restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey.
The fast-food chain opened in the Cevahir Shopping Mall in central Istanbul. It is the first of at least 25 Carl’s Jr. locations set to open in Turkey over the next six years.
The expansion into Turkey is part of CKE’s plan to speed up franchise development in overseas markets.
“We believe the Turkish market has tremendous potential for our brand given the strength of its economy, the youthful population base and an appreciation for premium-quality burgers. It is also a gateway for European expansion,” CKE Restaurants CEO Andrew Puzder said in a statement.
The restaurants in Turkey will be run by food service company FET Restoran Isletmeleri AS.
CKE currently franchises 363 international restaurants between its Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s brands. It had a total of 3,159 franchised, licensed or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 19 countries, including 1,249 Carl’s Jr. restaurants and 1,899 Hardee’s restaurants at the end of fiscal 2011.
CKE went private in July in a $694 million deal with private equity firm Apollo Management.
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