California-based fast-food restaurant chain Carl’s Jr is set to withdraw its business in Thailand, closing its last stores by the end of this month, the company disclosed on social media.
The Thailand withdrawal marks the end of its 10-year operation in the country. R&R Restaurant Group, which holds the franchise rights for the country, told the local press that it was unable to bear the costs of operating the burger chain, especially after being impacted by the disruption from the pandemic.
“We tried to get through it during the second half of 2021. But we were forced to import our ingredients solely from the US due to the restrictions imposed by CKE Restaurants Holdings,” the company said.
Carl’s Jr Thailand will shut its last two stores in the country – at Holiday Inn Sukhumvit in Bangkok and at Pattaya – by March 24.
The US fast-food chain entered Thailand in 2012 with its first store opened at Central Festival Pattaya Beach. By early last year, Carl’s Jr had six branches across the country, including Asoke, Nana and Terminal 21 branches.
