Popular US burger chain that’s ‘better than McDonald’s’ to open first restaurant in the UK in DAYS

A US fast food chain is opening its first restaurant in the UK this week.

The countdown is on for Carl's Jr., founded in California, to open its first restaurant on April 3.

The chain is opening inWales, and there are plans for the the company to then roll out 100 UK sites over thenextfour years.

The much anticipated new restaurant is opening in St. David's Shopping Centre, Cardiff.

To celebrate they are offering 100 free burgers to the first customers on opening day.

The UK menu hasn't launched yet but if it's anything like the US one, we are in for a treat.

There is a mouth-watering selection of burgers from their classic Famous Star which is available in single, double or triple.

As well as the zucchini burger for a veggie option.

And quirky cold drinks including a Blood Orange Baller and a Tropicali Refresher.

The chain has amassed a respectable following across the world, with some customers preferring it to some other major chains.

Taking to Facebook, one fast food fan said: “I cannot wait. I miss it from before I moved from the states”

Another said: “I had this in New Zealand – was lush.”

Meanwhile a third added: “Omg look what’s coming to Cardiff, remember going here when we went to America.”

A fourth, excited for the opening, said: “Ooo can’t wait try.”

Satnam Leihal, chief executive officer of the Boparan Restaurant Group, which is rolling out the Carl's Jr. stores in the UK, said last year: “Carl’s Jr.’s international success is a testament to its fantastic food quality and innovative approach.

“We are excited to bring the ‘Eat Like You Mean It’ experience, born in California, to the UK.

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences.”

First founded in 1941, Carl's Jr. has restaurants in 1,000 locations across the USA and can also be found in 28 other countries.

The next site to open will be in the south of England but the chain has not revealed exactly where as yet – or when it will open its doors.

Where the following 98 branches will open is still unknown but we'll keep you updated.

US fast food chains expand into the UK

Added to list of international fast food chains opening branches across the UK is Wingstop.

The fast food chain currently has 57 sites across the UK, revealed plans in January to open 20 more before the end of 2025.

Wingstop UK said at least 10 new locations will open in the first half of the year.

Branches will be opening dine-in restaurants in Swansea, Newcastle, Lakeside shopping centre in Essex, Streatham in south London and Cardigan Fields in Leeds.

The brand will also open a further delivery kitchen in Brighton.

Major US fast food chain Chick-fil-A is opening branches across the UK this year too,

The new restaurant will open inside an Applegreen service station in Lisburn, County Antrim, on the Lisburn South motorway.

The franchise-style restaurant chain last opened a pop-up in Reading back in 2019 and currently runs more than 3,000 sites across the US, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Popeyes is also eyeing up opening 45 locations in the UK this year after pulling up the shutters on 33 in 2024.

The fast-food joint, which is famous for its Louisiana-style chicken burgers and tenders, first came to the UK in 2021, opening a site in Westfield shopping centre in Stratford.

But it now intends to expand across the UK, including in cities like Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, London, and Scotland

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