In mashup aimed at Flexitarians, Carl's Jr. teams with Beyond Meat for Beyond Burger

In the ever-competitive fast food business, menu innovations have taken on urgency given the rapidly evolving tastes of consumers. In an indication of the evolving tastes, one of the country's largest fast-food chains is for a limited time is offering a meatless burger version of one of its well-known items for so-call flexitarians - people who do not adhere to one specific eating style and may combine plant-based and meat-based diets. 

Carl's Jr. announced today that they will be offering their a "first-of-its-kind flexitarian take" on their long-established Famous Star burger with a 100-percent plant-based patty from Beyond Meat.  Like the original version, the quarter-pound precooked patty is grilled top-to-bottom on an open flame in Carl’s Jr.’s unique charbroiler.  

“We know people are looking for options – in fact, roughly one-third1 of consumers identify as flexitarians – and we’re thrilled to partner with Beyond Meat to bring more delicious, irresistible flavors to our menu,”  Jason Marker, CEO of Carl's Jr. parent company, CKE Restaurants, said. “The new Beyond Famous Star is a true industry game changer, and we’re proud to add it to our roster of innovative offerings and build on the legacy of mouthwatering flavors.”

According to Carl's Jr. and Beyond Meat, a study conducted this summer by one unnamed grocery chain found that 90-percent of consumers who purchased Beyond Burgers, also consume animal-based proteins. 

“I have long looked forward to the day when my kids can go to a major fast-food chain and order The Beyond Burger," Beyond Meat Ethan Brown, Beyond Meat Founder & CEO said. "I am grateful to say that day has arrived." 

Like the traditional Famous Star, the Beyond Meat version is served with melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, sliced onions, dill pickles, special sauce and mayonnaise on a seeded bun. The burgers are now available at participating Carl's Jr. outlets.