About Us

Founded in 1941, Carl's Jr. has been a West Coast favorite for over 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.

WE'RE COMMITTED TO SERVING

GREAT FOOD & FLAVORS

Famous Star With Cheese

A Carl's Jr. Original Icon, the Famous Star is the ultimate way Feed Your Happy. Made with juicy charbroiled beef, fresh produce, and our Special Sauce that was invented and perfected by Carl himself

Western Bacon Cheese Burger

A testament to the flavors of the West come together on this iconic charbroiled burger with trailblazing additions of BBQ Sauce and crispy onion rings

Beyond Famous Star

In 2019 Carl's Jr became the first QSR to introduce a plant-based burger option to its stores nationwide by partnering with Beyond Meat. This flexitarian burger became an instant sensation at Carl's J

Burgers for Breakfast

Even in the morning, the ambitious pursuit of food dreams by Carl's Jr. knows no bounds. That's why we serve you charbroiled burgers in the a.m.

Angus Thickburgers

Fire seems like nothing special. But when it hits our premium third pound 100% angus beef, it transforms it into a juicy charbroiled burger as good as Carl Karcher intended. Making burgers with fire s

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 expansion 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.

CKE PRESS RELEASES

VIEW ALL STORIES

Sep 25, 2024

Carl's Jr. Launches Social Media Campaign Offering Free Food and Swag

Sep 18, 2024

Carl’s Jr. Names Martha Galvan of Irvine, Calif. as 2024 Perfect Burger Competition Winner

Aug 14, 2024

MORE BANG LESS BUCK Value Menu: Carl's Jr. Delivers Irresistibly Craveable Flavors for Every Budget

VIEW ALL STORIES