CARPINTERIA Calif. The first Carl’s Jr. restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, opened late last month, is the fifth of 25 units scheduled to be opened over the next six years in the Asia-Pacific region by Singapore-based franchisee Aspac F&B SDN.BHD.
The expansion into Malaysia is part of an ongoing emphasis on international franchise development by Carl’s Jr.’s parent company CKE Restaurants Inc., based here. CKE operates or franchises the 1,101-unit Carl’s Jr. quick-service chain and the 1,905-unit Hardee’s brand in 43 U.S. states and 14 countries. Aspac has been operating Carl’s Jr. restaurants in Singapore since 2005.
“Our goal is to take a leadership position in the quick-casual dining segment by offering premium burgers that emphasize quality, hospitable service with excellent ambiance,” said Mason Tan, chief executive of Aspac. “After a successful launch of the Carl’s Jr. brand in Singapore in 2005, it became clear that Carl’s Jr.’s unique market and branding positioning, combined with its focus on product innovation, make it stand out from the rest of the F&B players in Malaysia.”