FRANKLIN, TENN. — Carl’s Jr. is expanding its partnership with Beyond Meat to launch the Beyond BBQ Cheeseburger.

Inspired by the flavors of Carl’s Jr.’s Western Bacon Cheeseburger, the Beyond BBQ was “developed to complement the Beyond Burger patty” and is an “indulgent flexitarian option that turns barbecue on its head with a plant-based spin,” Carl’s Jr. said. The burger features a Beyond Burger patty topped with Carl’s Jr. original barbecue sauce, American cheese and crispy onion rings.

The launch of the Beyond BBQ Cheeseburger follows the December 2018 debut of the Beyond Famous Star on Carl’s Jr. menus, marking the chain’s first plant-based option. The burger includes a Beyond Burger patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sliced onion, dill pickle, special sauce and mayonnaise. Since its introduction, the Beyond Famous Star has become the most successful burger launch for the brand in the past two years with more than 4.5 million sold, said CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee's.

“After seeing the overwhelming demand for our Beyond Famous Star, in true Carl’s Jr. fashion we knew it was time to give customers even more plant-based innovations to delight their taste buds,” said Patty Trevino, senior vice-president of Carl’s Jr. brand marketing. “With one Western Bacon Cheeseburger sold every second, we saw this as the perfect flavor inspiration — and so the new Carl’s Jr. Beyond BBQ Cheeseburger was born. We’re always looking for the next great way to innovate and deliver the most craveable burgers, and we’re thrilled to continue our partnership with industry leader Beyond Meat to bring new and exciting flavors to our customers.”

The new Beyond BBQ Cheeseburger will be available beginning this month with a suggested price of $6.29.