US burger chain Carl's Jr plans to open 300 stores in Australia over next decade

The United States burger chain Carl’s Jr plans to open 300 franchise stores in Australia over the next decade.

Hoping to position itself between Hungry Jack’s and McDonald’s, its chief executive Andy Puzder was recently in Sydney to interview potential franchisees.

The chain, famous for its raunchy advertising featuring starlets and bikini-clad models, has already done well in New Zealand, where it has eight shops and plans for another 50.

“Our success in New Zealand has energised the interest in Australia and we want to take advantage of that,” Mr Puzder told The Australian Financial Review.

Carl’s Jr will be seeking multi-unit franchise owners and ­second-generation business owners with at least $US3 million in capital. They must commit to opening at least five stores to lower distribution and labour costs.