US burger franchise Carl’s Jr. will open its first freestanding drive-through restaurant in Queensland.

Located in Redbank Plains on the outskirts of Brisbane, the restaurant is operated by Bansal Group, a family-owned retailer with a large range of food-based business ventures across supermarkets and liquor.

Opening on January 18, the location is the first of an expected 20 Carl’s Jr. restaurants that the Bansal has earmarked for Queensland.

“Australia is a priority market for our brand and we are thrilled to welcome the Bansal Group into the Carl’s Jr. franchise family,” said Ned Lyerly, president, International at CKE Restaurants.

“Their entrepreneurial spirit and passion for our brand will greatly contribute to our success as they develop restaurants throughout Queensland and partner with our existing franchise community to satisfy Australian consumers’ demand for a superior burger experience.”

After openings in Bateau Bay – which ranked in the top five international franchise openings for CKE – and most recently in South Australia, where the brand just opened its second restaurant, Bansal Group owner Vishal Bansal said the group was focused on delivering fresh, high-quality food.

“The brand clearly fills a gap in the market for a premium quality burger experience at the price and convenience of fast food,” he said.