Back in 2016, Carl’s Jr. Inc, a subsidiary of Mitsuuroku Group Holdings, Co., Ltd. (MGHD) opened its first restaurant in Akihabara. And the goal of CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc. (CKE) and MGHD to develop 150 Carl’s Jr. restaurants in Japan for the next ten years.
As of 2021, there are a total of seven restaurants opened in Japan, and I have visited the one in Chuo-dori in Akihabara.
For many ex-patriots, I know that Carl’s Jr. is a popular location that they like to visit, but is there a difference between the restaurants in America vs. the one in Japan?
Well, for one, like most restaurants that serve burgers, the primary location for beef for burger chains in Japan is in Australia. Carl’s Jr. Japan uses 100% Australian beef and they serve 100% Australian Angus Burgers, Classic Burgers, various Chicken Sandwiches, Salads and Dessert and Beverages.
The surprising thing that in America, Carl’s Jr. burgers are big and beefy. And for a big, beefy gourmet burger in Tokyo, you end up paying Y1500-Y2000 but at a Carl’s Jr., you pay Y590 to Y890 for a burger. Granted, the way it’s prepared looks like a fast food burger in Japan but it does remind me of certain Japanese burger restaurants, that tend to prefer burgers on the less oily, dryer side. While easily remedied by ketchup, I know some people may be turned off by this.
Even a Guacamole Bacon Burger which many gourmet burger restaurants in Tokyo would easily charge Y1200-Y1500, Carl’s Jr., sells it for Y690 which is great.
And heck, if you are a carnivore and hungry for a triple patty Super Star Burger, it would only cost you Y1,180.
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If anything, I found it interesting to see the “Taste of California” on the banners and posters.
But overall, aside from the Australian beef, the sandwiches are comparable to what one can get in the US and almost similar in pricing. Yes, Japan it’s cheap, for Americans used to value meals, it may be a bit expensive.
Another difference is that Carl’s Jr. in Japan sells Budweiser, Asahi and Corona Extra beer for Y500.
It’s important to note that Carl’s Jr. in Akihabara did not close permanently, just only the month of February due to the second state of emergency and re-opens on March 1st.
But if you are jonesing for a “Taste of California”, check out Carl’s Jr. in a restaurant near you. And I recommend the Portobello Mushroom Burger!
