U.S.-born fast-food brand Carl’s Jr., known for its signature grilled burgers, has marked a major milestone in its global expansion strategy with the official opening of its first brick-and-mortar location in the Dominican Republic. The new outlet is strategically situated at Galería 360, a popular shopping center in the nation’s capital, Santo Domingo.
The location operates under the chain’s standardized international In-Line concept, a store model crafted to fit seamlessly into modern, high-traffic retail spaces while retaining the iconic visual branding that customers around the world recognize. The design prioritizes contemporary aesthetics, streamlined service layouts to reduce wait times, and spacious, comfortable zones tailored to enhance guest experiences.
Franchise operations in the Dominican Republic are overseen by DATH, a Mexican hospitality firm that already holds a prominent position within Carl’s Jr.’s global franchise network. Ranked as the third-largest Carl’s Jr. franchisee in Mexico, DATH runs more than 450 locations across its home market, where the chain has built a solid, loyal customer base. The company has secured exclusive operating rights for the entire Dominican Republic, making this launch the first step in a planned market entry into the Caribbean region.
Speaking at a pre-opening media presentation at the new restaurant, Mónica Cabrera Pérez, DATH’s chief executive officer for both Mexico and the Dominican Republic, emphasized the brand’s commitment to upholding the global quality standards that define Carl’s Jr. “We’ve come here committed to offering an excellent experience, meeting Carl’s Jr.’s international standards, based on the quality of our products, friendly service, and an atmosphere designed for the enjoyment of our guests,” Cabrera Pérez stated.
The official grand opening ceremony for the Galería 360 location was held on September 10, kicking off the brand’s official operations in the new market. For Carl’s Jr., this expansion opens up a new untapped consumer market in the Caribbean, while DATH looks to replicate its successful Mexican business model in the Dominican tourism and local dining sectors.