Global fast-food chain Carl’s Jr. announced that it has entered into an agreement with Mitsuuroko Group Holdings Co. Ltd. to be the exclusive franchise developer to launch its burgers in Japan. Under the terms of the agreement, Mitsuuroko will develop 150 Carl’s Jr. restaurants in Japan over the next 10 years. Mitsuuroko plans to open the first Carl’s Jr. in Tokyo in 2015 with others opening in multiple markets across Japan.
“We are excited to partner with Mitsuuroko to bring our premium menu items, vibrant brand, and innovative service to Japan,” says Mike Murphy, president of CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc., parent company of the Carl’s Jr. brand. “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.”
“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,” says Ned Lyerly, CKE president of international. “CKE and Carl’s Jr. offer a best-in-class, proven menu and quality restaurant experience that are sure to succeed in the sophisticated Japanese market. And, we have complete confidence that Mitsuuroko is the right partner at the right time for Carl’s Jr.”
“We are pleased to bring Carl’s Jr. and its premium burgers to the Japanese market,” says Mr. Kohei Tajima, the CEO of Mitsuuroko Group Holdings. “Carl’s Jr. is famous and successful throughout the world thanks to its business model of offering authentic, premium-quality chargrilled burgers with the convenience and price of fast food. Compared to 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 [quick-service] category.”
Mitsuuroko Group Holdings Co. Ltd. engages in Japan’s energy, real estate, health, sports, and electricity industries. The agreement with CKE Restaurants and Carl’s Jr. marks Mitsuuroko’s 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 [quick service],” Tajima says. “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.”
