Sydney model at centre of controversial Carl’s Jr ad launches first Aussie store in NSW

THE Sydney model at the centre of a new controversial ad, labelled “sexist”, appears to have shrugged off the backlash.

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THE Sydney model at the centre of a new controversial ad, labelled “sexist”, appears to have shrugged off the backlash.

Gemie Howe has plugged the Carl’s Jr commercial, where she is sitting on a beach with a white bikini seductively eating a burger.

“So proud an blessed to join the Carls Jr family :))) an be the first Carls Jr girl in Australia

ITS GUNNA GET MESSY !!” she wrote on her Instagram account.

Aussie model Gemie Howe with a burger at the launch of Carl's Jr today. Picture: Troy Snook

Customers (left to right) Tahlia Eaton, Sarah Madden, and Taelah Goodman tuck in. Picture: Troy Snook

Customers queue at the opening day of business for the first Carl's Jnr to launch in Australia, at Bateau Bay. Picture: Troy Snook

Another post from overnight said: “Meeting the amazing staff at carls jr (sic) before the big opening of Australia’s first store tomorrow.”

Australia will open its first store today on the NSW’s Central Coast.

Carl’s Jr has set up shop in Bateau Bay near The Entrance, next to McDonald’s, and is offering a year’s worth of free burgers to the first 50 people through the door.

Gemie Howe in the controversial advert for Carl’s Jr which drew complaints. Picture: Instagram

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Twitter users are claiming that up to 100 people are already waiting outside the new Carl’s Jr store.

“On my way to the amazing new Carls Jr shop Central coast ! Checking it all out before the first store opens,” Howe said.

Carls Jr opening their first Australian store in Bateau Bay. https://t.co/6rm43QGScT @CarlsJrAU #CarlsJr #BateauBay https://t.co/tZs2NTlCZj

— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) January 28, 2016

But Carl’s Jr’s ads have been historically criticised as too raunchy and even sexist in the past.

The new ad featuring Howe is no different to its other commercials released by the burger chain, which openly admits to target 18-35 year-old males.

“I remember seeing a Carl’s Jr ad and was sad our culture has sunk to this,” Ken Krogue wrote on Twitter.

Another said: “5yo watching Carl’s Jr. ad: “I’m going to get that when I’m a grownup.” Me: “Your adulthood will be proof we did something horribly wrong”.”

Previous commercials featuring Kate Upton, Paris Hilton and Heidi Klum have been that saucy it has prompted the WomenAreMoreThanMeat hashtag online.

Carl’s Jr, which already operates in more than 30 countries, has a huge expansion plan for Australia.

They want to set up 300 restaurants here over the next 10-15 years and are already advertising the opportunity to potential franchisees.