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he history of CKE Restaurants Holdings can be traced back exterior delivery window pickup and single and double drive-thru lanes.
to 1941, but the merging of the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s “The OMNI also boasts a new concept within it which is an off-
Tbrands did not take place until 1997 with the acquisition of premise pickup and drive-thru model that has no dine-in seating, but
Hardee’s by CKE Restaurants Holdings. Today the two brands continue optional al-fresco seating with a walk-up window or QR code ordering
to operate under one corporate entity with their individual banners and via a mobile device. We are currently calling this the Carl’s Jr. GO!
CKE’s global footprint is nearly 4,000 restaurants spread across more Concept and it will have its very own branded signage. Our building
than 40 countries and 19 time zones. footprints range from 110 sq m to 205 sq m or greater if needed.
“Hardee’s represents almost 2,200 of this total and Carl’s Jr. has over There is no “one size fits all” approach in QSR anymore and this new
1,600,” explains Marc Mushkin, Vice President, International Franchise prototype is a perfect fit for the future,” Jones comments.
Sales and Development. “Our presence outside the United States totals When discussing the upcoming development pipeline, Mushkin
around 1,020, with Carl’s Jr. representing just under 600 and Hardee’s explains the company is in an exciting period of growth that
over 400. Carl’s Jr. is the brand we develop in all international markets combines their decade-long trajectory of opening in new markets
except in the Middle East and Africa region where we develop Hardee’s and working with new franchisees, whilst Jones says that while the
restaurants exclusively,” he continues. new prototype is still in its early stages, they are continuing to identify
A groundbreaking and exciting development within their restaurant franchise partners and locations to build additional OMNI restaurants
portfolio took place in San Luis Potosi, Mexico in February this year moving forward.
with the launch of the company’s new restaurant prototype called the “Our Mexico franchisee which just opened its first location is excited
International “OMNI - Next Generation”, which has been modified to to open another one, and we are already in the process of discussing
meet the site’s small size and omni-channel sales model. site planning and we will bring in new learnings from the original site
“It features a dual-level split kitchen, second floor dining room, into this second location that uses the OMNI design,” Jones comments.
freshly updated International Urban Light Design scheme and fresh, “We are focusing a lot of our resources on plans to expand Carl’s
new, California-inspired graphics,” comments Don Jones, Director, Jr. in Europe into markets we have not yet ventured into, with the UK
International Design and Construction. “The kitchen design uses the and Germany being primary targets,” says Mushkin. “Around the world
new efficient OMNI kitchen plan which centralizes the packaging area we are equally focused on new growth opportunities in the Americas
to allow quick access to the drive-thru window, the new exterior- (primarily Brazil and Canada) as well as Australia. While for Hardee’s
accessible delivery window, dine-in table service and to-go orders in a we are looking at growth in Israel and Africa (starting with South
new smaller footprint layout.” Africa),” Mushkin continues.
In addition, the dedicated curbside order pickup station is covered A watchword in the i`ndustry right now, sustainability is not something
by a distinctly labelled canopy that was incorporated into the site plan new to CKE Restaurants Holdings and they are actively researching
adjacent to the kitchen access door for quick service. new packaging and materials that will reduce their impact and footprint
Along with the multiple methods for guest ordering from on-site to in critical areas. Together with their vendors they are working towards
off-premise, the new site in Mexico is equipped with QR ordering via their sustainability goals up and down the supply chain and it is an
a guests’ mobile phone at the table for full orders or additional menu important part of their forward-thinking planning, and the company
items after the meal. Guests can also use QR ordering whilst in the remains committed to making meaningful changes.
comfort of their car at the designated curbside ordering point. While there are many reasons that the company has achieved long-
What all these experiences mean is that the new restaurant ensures term global success, the core of its continued momentum is down to
that CKE guests have a unique experience each time they visit, no its great food, “All-Star” service, attractive and efficient facilities and a
matter where they choose to enjoy their food, be it in-restaurant, order compelling business model for their franchisees.
ahead, to-go, or via one of their many delivery partners. “Our quality food, including real Angus beef burgers, hand-breaded
The original goals of this new concept restaurant were to reduce chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches, hand-scooped real ice cream
building costs and footprints, design kitchens meant for several omni- shakes, and more, undoubtedly set us apart from our competition,”
channel sales channels, simplify the overall design and create a building highlights Mushkin.
prototype that is very flexible and easy to adapt to different size and Alongside this, their great and experienced leadership team that
shaped real estate opportunities. begins with company CEO, Ned Lyerly, who has been in leadership roles
“The overall design is the most flexible building layout we have offered with the company for over 35-years and their President of International,
to our franchisees, and it provides the tools to design restaurants to Mike Woida are what set the business apart from its rivals.
meet what the market dictates. In a sense, it is a “plug-n-play” approach Looking to what comes next, accelerated growth is what’s in focus
to restaurant design to allow you to build what you need and easily omit and according to Mushkin and Jones, “it is an exciting time at both the
features you don’t (e.g. build with purpose),” Jones highlights. Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s brands!”
To do this, they created a new kitchen layout that is the ‘engine’ “We pride ourselves on being agile enough to pivot to new solutions
of the overall design, from here they could add elements such as while being a big enough company to weather any storms. Our 80-year
dining rooms with variable seat numbers, flexible drive-thru window history proves we are resilient and an enduring player in the restaurant
positioning, outdoor terraces, curbside pickup/ordering, dedicated industry. The future looks bright for our company,” concludes Mushkin.

Carl’s Jr. International
OMNI-Prototype