Franchise Deep Dive: Carl's Jr. Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: July 2024

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://carlsjrfranchising.com/franchising.php 

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 1,065 (U.S.), 3,300+ (worldwide)

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $1,499,000 - $2,228,000

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): not publicly available

Carl's Jr. is an American quick-service restaurant chain that specializes in burgers, fries and other classic fast-food items. The brand is part of CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. which also owns the Hardee's chain, allowing for a broad reach and shared promotional strategies across both brands.

How Many Carl's Jr. Locations Are There?

Established in 1941 by Carl N. Karcher, Carl's Jr. has been a West Coast icon for over 75 years. With only $15 in savings and a $311 loan against their Plymouth car, Karcher and his wife, Margaret, started with a single hot dog cart in Los Angeles. This small business has since evolved into a popular quick-service franchise with more than 3,300 locations worldwide.

The brand has 1,065 locations across the U.S., primarily in the western part of the country. 

What Is Carl's Jr.’s Business Model?

Carl's Jr. is a fast-food franchise renowned for its burgers, such as the Western Bacon Cheeseburger, the Super Star hamburger, and the Beyond Famous Star with Cheese. Other fan favorites include hand-breaded chicken tenders, made-from-scratch biscuits, charbroiled chicken sandwiches, and hand-scooped ice cream shakes and malts.

The brand prefers multi-unit agreements with franchisees, but will consider one or two-unit agreements under certain circumstances. Franchisees also have co-branding options and can open a Green Burrito Dual Concept Restaurant, as well as locations inside a gas station or convenience store.

How Much Can Carl's Jr. Franchise Owners Make?

The brand does not make this information publicly available. Prospective owners can access this information through the brand’s most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). 

How Much Does It Cost To Open Carl's Jr.?

The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Carl's Jr. franchise ranges from $1,499,000 to $2,228,000.

What Is the Franchise Fee for Carl's Jr.?

The franchise fee required to begin operation of a Carl's Jr. franchise is $25,000 to $35,000, depending on the number of units in operation, which must be paid to the franchisor. 

Who’s On Carl's Jr.’s Leadership Team?

• Max Wetzel – CEO
• Mike Tillis – Director of Franchise Operations
• Jennifer Tate – Chief Marketing Officer
• Mike Lenihan – Chief Financial Officer
• Andrew Robinson – Chief Human Resources Officer
• Kerry Olson – Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary
• Arturo Perez Calvo – International SVP-Chief Marketing Officer

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Carl's Jr.?

• Montana group, KHPL join forces to open Carls Jr restaurants in India
• US burger chain Carl’s Jr launches Irish franchises
• Carl's Jr. joins fast-food expansion frenzy, plans to open first Florida location

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