About Us
Founded in 1941, Carl's Jr. has been a West Coast favorite for almost 80 years, known for our iconic charbroiled burgers. Today, we have more than 1,000 locations across the U.S. and serves 28 countries worldwide.
History of Carl's Jr.
1940s
Carl Karcher and his wife Margaret invest their entire savings to buy a hot dog cart. Within five years, the Karchers open their first restaurant.
1950s
Business blossoms and Carl opens the first two Carl’s Jr.® restaurants in Anaheim, opening two more locations within the decade, and introducing the bright yellow star sign.
1960s
The 60s brought vast expansion for the Karchers, who operated 24 Carl's Jr.'s and became Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., as they rennovated all dining rooms and streamlined menus.
1970s
By 1977, more than 200 locations served California, and Carl's Jr. became the first quick-serve restaurant to offer salad bars at all 200 locations. In 1979, the company opened its first out-of-state location in Las Vegas.
1980s
The 80s saw more expasion for Carl's Jr., as well as the introduction of the iconic Western Bacon Cheeseburger in 1988. By the end of the decade, there were more than 534 restaurants, and Carl's Jr. opened it's first international location in Mexico.
1990s
Now operating under Carl Karcher Enterprises (CKE), Carl's Jr. continued burger domination as it opened more locations throughout the states and internationally. In 1997, CKE acquired Hardee's restaurants, expanding business by nearly 2,500 lcoations.
2000s
In the 2000s, Carl's Jr. introduced some of its most iconic menu items, including the Six Dollar Burger, Hand-Scooped Milkshakes, and Charbroiled Turkey Burgers -- An industry first.
2010s
Over the last decade, Carl's Jr. has continued to push boundaries -- From being the first QSR to have a plant-based burger at all restaurants to the introduction of the first-ever CBD infused burger.