Carl’s Jr., the home of classic American burgers, is set to make its mark on the South Island with two restaurants opening in Christchurch this month. Bush Inn Carl’s Jr. will open on 8 March, with Hornby Carl’s Jr. following close behind on 31 March.

Along with being a geographic first, the stores mark the start of a local transformation for the Carl’s Jr. brand in New Zealand, which is operated by the nation’s largest Quick Service Restaurant operator, Restaurant Brands.

“These new South Island restaurants have been built to better reflect our table-service and burger dining experience that gives our diners a taste of America, down-under,” says Geraldine Oldham, Restaurant Brand’s General Manager of Sales and Marketing.

“The brand transformation is themed around American provenance, including a new logo, new packaging and restaurant design, all unique to New Zealand but with strong ties to the brand’s classic American history.”

Along with fresh, made-to-order chargrilled burgers, Carl’s Jr. restaurants will continue to offer friendly table service, a free-refill drinks station and a condiments selection where customers can help themselves.

“We want every customer through the door to feel like they are biting into a piece of heartland America,” says Geraldine Oldham.

With eighteen Carl’s Jr. restaurants already open for business across the North Island, the Christchurch openings are an exciting development for the brand and the community. The company says with its extensive menu catering to a wide range of appetites, they are interested to see if Cantabrians follow the same taste preferences as their North Island counterparts.

The development and staffing of both restaurants is a positive boost for the local community. Both restaurants are set to employ around 60 staff between them and will certainly draw burger-lovers from around the City and further afield.

Both of the new Carl’s Jr. Christchurch restaurants will be open Sunday to Thursday 9am to to 10pm, and Friday and Saturday 9am to 12am.