Carl’s Jr outlets in South Australia unaffected by eastern states franchisor’s collapse

Carl’s Jr outlets in South Australia are unaffected by the collapse of an eastern states operator, with expansion plans still on track.

Carl's Jr stores in SA are not affected by issues in the eastern states.

Carl’s Jr outlets in South Australia are “powering on” with expansion plans and are unaffected by the collapse of an eastern states franchisor, owner Agostino Group says.

Agostino group founder Frank Agostino, whose company is the exclusive franchisee for Carl’s Jr in South Australia and the Northern Territory, said they currently had seven restaurants operating, two under construction and another two in the planning phase.

“We’re still powering on,’’ he said.

“We’re locally-owned, family-owned and we’re going to be there for the long haul.’’

Melbourne-based CJ’s Group was placed in administration on Monday with 49 stores in the eastern states affected.

That company owns and operates 24 Carl’s Jr restaurants and is the master licensee for another 25.

Administrators KPMG immediately closed 20 stores operated by CJ’s Group, while the independently-owned stores will transfer to a direct licence relationship with US company CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc. which is the parent company of Carl’s Jr.

Mr Agostino said the administration had no bearing on the South Australian operations.

Local outlets include restaurants at Kilburn, Pooraka, Clearview, Elizabeth, St Peters, West Lakes and Mount Barker.

There are builds currently in progress at Angle Vale and Old Noarlunga and approvals pending for stores at Murray Bridge and Port Augusta.

Mr Agostino said that that part of the Agostino Group employed about 500 people and he wanted to reassure staff and customers that it was business as usual.

Agostino Group also operates the AM/PM convenience and fuel outlets and a number of Subway outlets..

The first Carl’s Jr in Australia opened in NSW’s Bateau Bay in 2016.

Originally published as Carl’s Jr outlets in South Australia unaffected by eastern states franchisor’s collapse