Editing Carl's Jr.

{{see also|Hardee's}}
{{short description|American multinational fast food chain}}
{{Use American English|date = September 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Infobox company
| logo = Carl's Jr. logo (2022).svg
| name = Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC
| logo_caption = Logo used since September 22, 2022.<ref name="mdive">{{cite web | url=https://www.marketingdive.com/news/carls-jr-hardees-brand-identity-refresh-flavor-logo/632385/ | title=Carl's Jr., Hardee's refresh brand identity with flavor as inspiration | publisher=Marketing Dive | date=22 September 2022 | accessdate=21 November 2022 | author=Kelly, Chris | archive-date=November 22, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122002157/https://www.marketingdive.com/news/carls-jr-hardees-brand-identity-refresh-flavor-logo/632385/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
| parent = [[CKE Restaurants]]<br>(1966–present)
| image = Carls Jr Rancho Cordova.jpg
| image_caption = A Carl's Jr. in [[Rancho Cordova, California]] on September 20, 2008.
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1941|07|17}}<br />[[Anaheim]], [[California]], U.S.
| location = 6700 Tower Circle [[Franklin, Tennessee]] 37067, U.S.<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Brands – CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.|url=http://www.ckr.com/our-brands|website=www.ckr.com|access-date=January 2, 2018|archive-date=July 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721184830/http://www.ckr.com/our-brands|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| locations = 1,062 (US domestic, 2021)<br />2,124 (global, 2021)<br />3,186 (Total)
| area_served = Worldwide
| founders = [[Carl Karcher]]<br />[[Margaret Karcher]]
| key_people = Caleb Hubbard ([[President (corporate title)|president]] & [[Chief executive officer|CEO]])
| industry = [[Fast-food restaurants]]
| num_employees = 
| revenue = 
| operating_income = 
| former_names = Carl's Drive-In Barbecue (1941–1956)
| net_income = 
| products = {{Flatlist|
* [[Hamburger]]s
* [[Chicken (food)|Chicken]]
* [[Sandwich]]es
* [[French fries]]
* [[Soft drink]]s
* [[Milkshake]]s
* [[Salad]]s
* [[Dessert]]s
* [[Burrito]]s
* [[Nachos]]
* [[Coffee]]
* [[Breakfast]]
* [[wrap (food)|Wraps]]
}}
| homepage = {{URL|carlsjr.com}}
}}

'''Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC''' is an American [[fast-food restaurant]] [[chain store|chain]] owned by [[CKE Restaurants|CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc.]], who also owns [[Hardee's]], with franchisees in [[North America|North]] and [[South America]], [[Asia]], [[Oceania]], [[Europe]], and [[Africa]].

In 2016, ''[[Entrepreneur (magazine)|Entrepreneur]]'' listed Carl's Jr. as No. 54 on their Top [[Franchise 500]] list, which ranks the overall financial strength, stability, and growth rate for the top 500 franchises in any field across the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/500/2016/2 |title=2016 Top Franchises from Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 List – page 2 |magazine=[[Entrepreneur (magazine)|Entrepreneur]] |access-date=April 5, 2016 |date=<!--undated--> |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |archive-date=March 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331170517/http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/500/2016/2 |url-status=live }}</ref>

As of March 2016, CKE (the parent company of Carl's Jr. and [[Hardee's]]) has a total of 3,664 franchised or company-operated restaurants in 44 states (both chains are totally absent from [[New England]]) and 38 foreign countries and U.S. territories.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.carlsjr.com/locations |title=Carl's Jr.® {{pipe}} Locations |website=Carl's Jr. |access-date=April 5, 2016 |date=<!--undated--> |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |archive-date=April 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405060901/http://www.carlsjr.com/locations |url-status=live }}</ref>

==History==
In 1941, [[Carl Karcher]] (1917–2008), who was a truck driver, and his wife [[Margaret Karcher]] (1915–2006), borrowed $311 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|311|1941}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}) on their Plymouth automobile and added $15 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|15|1941}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}}) in savings to purchase a [[hot dog cart]] on the corner of Florence and Central in [[Los Angeles]]. From their newly purchased cart, they sold hot dogs, chili dogs, and tamales for a dime (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|.1|1941}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}), and soda for a nickel (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|.05|1941}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}}). Within a few years, Carl and Margaret owned and operated four hot dog stands in Los Angeles. In 1945, the Karchers moved the short distance to [[Anaheim, California]], and opened their first full-service restaurant, '''Carl's Drive-In Barbecue''' at 1108 N. Palm St. (now Harbor).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.carlsjr.com/company/story |title=The Carl's Jr. Story – Celebrating 70 Years |work=Carl's Jr. |date=<!--undated--> |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |access-date=February 13, 2012 |archive-date=February 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211101236/http://www.carlsjr.com/company/story |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=CarlsDriveInPopularforAnaheimStudents>{{cite web|title=Carl's Drive-In A Popular Hang Out for Anaheim High Students|url=http://www.anaheimcolonists.com/carls-drive-in-a-popular-hang-out-for-anaheim-high-students/|website=Anaheim High School Alumni Association|publisher=The Burrell Group|access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-date=September 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903031658/http://www.anaheimcolonists.com/carls-drive-in-a-popular-hang-out-for-anaheim-high-students/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1946, hamburgers were added to the menu for the first time.

In 1956, Karcher opened the first two '''Carl's Jr.''' restaurants – so named because they were a smaller version of Carl's Drive-In Barbecue restaurant – in Anaheim and [[Brea, California|Brea]].<ref name=lat-2008jan12 /> The first local Carl's Jr. was built in 1956 on the former Janss Street next to St. Boniface Catholic Church about half a block away from [[Anaheim High School]]. That former Carl's Jr. is now the church's Bethany Hall while currently a restaurant is now located one block south on Harbor Boulevard. The former flagship Carl's Jr. is located at 1200 N. Harbor Blvd in Anaheim next to the former corporate headquarter office at 401 Carl Karcher Way until 2003, when the company moved its headquarters to a larger facility 500 feet north of the original location at 1325 N Anaheim Blvd. in Anaheim, then moving again in 2018 to [[Franklin, Tennessee]].<ref name=ckehistory /><ref name="CarlsDriveInPopularforAnaheimStudents" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=McMillan |first1=Rob |title=After more than 40 years, Carl's Jr. closing corporate offices in Anaheim |url=https://abc7.com/carls-jr-cke-restaurants-headquarters-hardees/4728408/ |website=KABC Television |access-date=22 November 2021 |archive-date=November 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122210234/https://abc7.com/carls-jr-cke-restaurants-headquarters-hardees/4728408/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 

By the end of the 1950s, there were four Carl's Jr. restaurants in [[Orange County, California]]. The restaurants also had a new supervisor, Donald F. Karcher, Carl's younger brother, who would later become the company's president.<ref name=ckehistory>{{cite web |url=http://ckr.com/about_history.html |title=CKE Restaurants History |publisher=CKE Restaurants |date=<!--undated--> |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |access-date=April 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040904181146/http://www.ckr.com/about_history.html |archive-date=September 4, 2004 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

By the 1960s, Carl was operating 24 restaurants in [[Southern California]]. The company incorporated in 1966 as [[CKE Restaurants|Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc.]], and launched a major expansion of the chain in 1968. The menus were limited for faster service, featuring charbroiled hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, and malts.<ref name=ckehistory />

By 1975, there were more than 100 Carl's Jr. locations in Southern California, and the company expanded into the northern part of the state. Carl's Jr. celebrated its success by building its Anaheim corporate headquarters in 1976. The following year, it became the first [[Fast food restaurant|QSR]] chain to offer salad bars in all 200 locations. The first out-of-state restaurant opened in Las Vegas in 1979. By the end of the decade, sales exceeded the $100 million mark.<ref name=ckehistory /> Carl's Jr. also experimented with fast-food [[Mexican cuisine]] in the 1970s and early 1980s with a spin-off called Taco de Carlos. The units all closed by the early 1980s, with Karcher later stating that this was due to the locations being too far apart from each other.<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ziMcAQAAMAAJ&q=%22taco+de+carlos%22+%22Carl%27s+jr%22 | title=Carl's Jr. | journal=The Executive | year=1983 | pages=36}}</ref>

[[File:Carl's_Jr._breakfast_food.jpg|alt=|left|thumb|Breakfast food served at a Carl's Jr. in [[La Mesa, California]], in 2016. Carl's Jr. first began serving breakfast in 1984.]]
In 1980, the company hired its 10,000th employee, doubling its employee count in just three years. In 1981, with 300 restaurants in operation, Carl Karcher Enterprises became a publicly held company. In 1984, Carl's Jr. was franchised for the first time. Carl's Jr.'s menu expanded during the decade with the addition of the Western Bacon Cheeseburger, breakfast items, a charbroiled chicken sandwich line, and self-service [[soda fountains]]. By the end of the decade, sales topped $480 million at 534 restaurants. The company also opened its first international units in the Pacific Rim. In addition, Carl's Jr. was one of the first chains to introduce a debit card payment system, inviting customers to use their ATM cards in the restaurants.<ref name=ckehistory />

In 1988, Karcher and his family were accused of [[insider trading]] by the [[Securities and Exchange Commission]]. They had sold large quantities of stock before the price dropped. Karcher agreed to a settlement with the SEC and paid more than half a million dollars in fines.<ref name="ffn">{{cite book |last=Schlosser |first=Eric |title=Fast Food Nation |publisher=[[HarperCollins]] |year=2001 |isbn=0-7139-9602-1|title-link=Fast Food Nation }}</ref>

[[File:Carl's Jr. Denton.JPG|left|thumb|Former Carl's Jr. in [[Denton, Texas]]. This location closed in 2018.]]
Carl's Jr. chains had struggled to gain success in [[Arizona]] and [[Texas]], perhaps diminishing hopes of expansion to other states, though later states like [[Nevada]], [[Oregon]], and [[Washington (state)|Washington]] proved successful. During the 1990s, Karcher and the board of directors began clashing, often publicly, over marketing and business practices, including the chain's attempt at dual branding with such chains as [[The Green Burrito]] and its new advertising campaigns. Karcher was removed as chairman of the company by its board of directors on October 1, 1993.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-10-02-mn-41277-story.html |title=Karcher Board Ousts Chairman : Shake-up: Elizabeth Sanders replaces Carl Karcher as battle for control of Anaheim-based Carl's Jr. empire escalates. Founder says he may try to unseat his foes. |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=October 2, 1993 |first=James M. |last=Gomez |access-date=August 12, 2016 |archive-date=August 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827042118/http://articles.latimes.com/1993-10-02/news/mn-41277_1_carl-karcher-enterprises |url-status=live }}</ref> Soon after, the board of directors took a new approach by cutting the menu, lowering prices, and introducing a new marketing campaign which targeted younger urban and suburban males.<ref name=lat-2008jan12>{{Cite web |url=http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-karcher12jan12-story.html |title=Carl Karcher, 90; entrepreneur turned hot dog stand into a fast-food empire |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=January 12, 2008 |first=Eric |last=Malnic |access-date=April 11, 2016 |archive-date=April 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425202256/http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-karcher12jan12-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Following Don Karcher's death in 1992, a new management team was installed in 1994, headed by CEO William P. Foley II and President and Chief Operating Officer Tom Thompson. Carl Karcher Enterprises became a wholly owned subsidiary of [[CKE Restaurants|CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.]]<ref name=ckehistory />

During the mid-1990s, Carl's Jr. unveiled its "If it doesn't get all over the place, it doesn't belong in your face" campaign, which featured younger people eating Carl's Jr.'s burgers with ketchup and juice dripping from the burger and onto clothes and other areas.<ref name=":0">{{cite press release |url=http://www.carlsjr.com/company/releases/paris-hilton-to-star-in-much-anticipated-spicy-burger-ads-for-carls-jr |title=Paris Hilton to Star in Much-Anticipated Spicy Burger Ads for Carl's Jr. |website=Carl's Jr. |date=May 13, 2005 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |access-date=April 11, 2016}}</ref>

In 1997, [[CKE Restaurants]] acquired [[Hardee's]], a restaurant chain with 2500 locations in the [[Midwestern United States|Midwest]], [[Southern United States|South]], and [[East Coast of the United States|East Coast]] regions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/71756/9-facts-you-might-not-know-about-carls-jr|title=9 Facts You Might Not Know About Carl's Jr.|date=March 8, 2016|website=www.mentalfloss.com|language=en|access-date=April 6, 2020|archive-date=April 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406140947/https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/71756/9-facts-you-might-not-know-about-carls-jr|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2001, Carl's Jr. introduced the Thickburger line with the 1/2 lb. Six Dollar Burger, with sister chain Hardee's following in 2003.

In 2002, CKE Restaurants acquired [[Santa Barbara Restaurant Group]], the parent company of the ''[[Green Burrito]]'' brand. Some Carl's Jr. stores are now co-branded with Green Burrito, as are some Hardee's stores.<ref name=ckehistory />

In 2005, Carl's Jr. introduced hand-scooped ice cream shakes.

On January 11, 2008, Carl Karcher, the founder of hamburger chain Carl's Jr., died at the age of 90. A spokeswoman for CKE Restaurants said Karcher suffered from [[Parkinson's disease]] and was being treated for Parkinson's-related [[pneumonia]] when he died at [[St. Jude Medical Center]] in [[Fullerton, California]]. Many Carl's Jr. restaurants flew their flags at half-staff in memory of Karcher.<ref name=lat-2008jan12 />

In the 2010s, Carl's Jr. and Hardee's rolled out Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders. Carl's Jr. and Hardee's began offering Charbroiled Turkey Burgers in 2011, marking another industry first by becoming the first national fast food chains to offer Turkey Burgers.

In July 2010, CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. was acquired by Columbia Lake Acquisition Holdings, Inc., an affiliate of Apollo Management VII, L.P. allowing CKE to continue to grow and succeed as a privately held company under the ownership of Apollo.

In 2011, Carl's Jr. introduced made-from-scratch biscuits.
On November 20, 2013, [[Roark Capital Group]] agreed to acquire CKE from Apollo for $1.65–$1.75 billion.

In December 2014, Carl's Jr. introduced the All-Natural Burger, featuring an all-natural, grass-fed, free-range beef patty that has no added hormones, antibiotics, or steroids – the first major fast-food chain to offer an all-natural beef patty on the menu. In December 2015, the All-Natural Turkey Burger was introduced – the fast food industry's first.

In September 2017, CKE decided to re-brand its [[Poughkeepsie, New York]], and [[Middletown, Orange County, New York|Middletown, New York]], Hardee's locations into Carl's Jr. in order to focus on lunch and dinner options for a [[Northeastern United States]] consumer base, however both those stores have closed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/entertainment/dining/2017/08/21/carls-jr-hardees-poughkeepsie/587786001/|title=Carl's Jr. to open at Hardee's location|first=Geoffrey|last=Wilson|website=The Poughkeepsie Journal|access-date=July 3, 2023|archive-date=January 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113191454/https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/entertainment/dining/2017/08/21/carls-jr-hardees-poughkeepsie/587786001/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Although both Hardee's and Carl's Jr operated essentially as one brand since 1997, CKE Restaurants announced plans to try to separate their identities in 2018. Part of the effort involved remodeling several Hardee's restaurants as well as giving both brands distinct ad campaigns.<ref name="RBOHARDEES"/><ref name="USAHARDEES">{{cite web |last1=Alfs |first1=Lizzy |title=Hardee's, Carl's Jr. chains part ways in fast-food image shakeup |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2018/06/19/hardees-carls-jr-split-fast-food-shakeup/715586002/ |website=USA Today |access-date=September 27, 2019 |archive-date=February 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212013146/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2018/06/19/hardees-carls-jr-split-fast-food-shakeup/715586002/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Although both chains had the same menu at the time of the split, CKE noted that they would slowly change over time although with "some overlap" <ref name="RBOHARDEES">{{cite web |last1=Maze |first1=Johnathan |title=FOR CARL'S JR. AND HARDEE'S, 2 ARE BETTER THAN 1 |url=https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/marketing/carls-jr-hardees-two-are-better-one |website=Restaurant Business Online |access-date=September 27, 2019 |archive-date=September 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927051733/https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/marketing/carls-jr-hardees-two-are-better-one |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2019, Carls Jr. introduced a [[Beyond Meat]] patty as an addition to their menu. They were one of the first large chain restaurants to introduce a vegan-friendly patty to their menu and roll it out to all of their locations. Soon after [[Burger King]] and many others followed by adding plant-based burgers to their menus.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://crueltyfreereviews.com/eating-out/vegan-options-at-carls-jr/ |title=Everything Vegan at Carls Jr. |date=November 16, 2018 |access-date=July 3, 2023 |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401170713/https://crueltyfreereviews.com/eating-out/vegan-options-at-carls-jr/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2024, all Carl’s Jr locations in the Bakersfield, CA area permanently removed the Beyond Burger from its menu. As of April 2024, Carl’s Jr has not issued a press release indicating why this decision was made.   

In mid-March 2020, all restaurants temporarily abandoned indoor dining to combat the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. Customers could still make their orders via [[Drive-through|drive thru]], pick-up or [[take-away]] service.

===International===
[[File:Carl's Jr portobello mushroom burger and fries, Plaza Semanggi, Indonesia 2018-06-26.jpg|thumb|A portobello mushroom burger and fries from the Carl's Jr. in [[Plaza Semanggi]], [[Jakarta]], Indonesia]]

In 2011, Carl's Jr. first ventured the Canadian market with the opening of an outlet in [[Kelowna]], [[British Columbia]], followed by all British Columbia outlet openings in [[Kamloops]], [[Vernon, British Columbia|Vernon]] and [[Penticton]]. A [[Chilliwack]] outlet opened in September 2012 Then in [[Vancouver]] in 2013 (now closed in 2024). An [[Abbotsford, British Columbia|Abbotsford]] outlet opened in January 2014 then in September 2014, two [[Ontario]] outlets opened in [[Waterloo, Ontario|Waterloo]] and [[Guelph]], followed by two more outlets opened in [[Toronto]] in March/April 2015 and a location at [[Vancouver International Airport]]. By January 2016, all Ontario locations were shut down, although operations continue in [[Western Canada]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/carl-s-jr-stores-in-toronto-close-their-doors/article_831bd4b9-5103-5842-bc51-7b23770ecd56.html|title=Carl's Jr. stores in Toronto close their doors|website=[[Toronto Star]] |date=January 14, 2016|access-date=March 26, 2024}}</ref>

In November 2015, Carl's Jr. opened its 200th restaurant in Mexico.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Carl's Jr. Surpasses 200th Restaurant Milestone in Mexico with Opening of Two New Restaurants |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151201006291/en/Carl%E2%80%99s-Jr.-Surpasses-200th-Restaurant-Milestone-in-Mexico-with-Opening-of-Two-New-Restaurants |website=BusinessWire |date=December 2015 |publisher=Business Wire |access-date=26 February 2024}}</ref> The brand first entered the market in 1991.<ref>{{cite web |title=Carl's Jr opens 300th Mexican location |url=https://www.qsrweb.com/news/carls-jr-opens-300th-store-in-mexico/ |website=QSRweb |date=January 13, 2021 |access-date=26 February 2024}}</ref>

In August 2016, Carl's Jr. opened its first location in India at Saket's Select Citywalk Mall in New Delhi.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/food-wine/us-burger-chain-carls-jr-enters-india/ |title=US burger chain Carl's Jr. enters India |date=July 17, 2015 |work=Indian Express |access-date=March 27, 2017 |archive-date=January 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103183202/http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/food-wine/us-burger-chain-carls-jr-enters-india/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

As of 2017, CKE (the parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's) has a total of 3665 franchised or company-operated restaurants in 44 states and 39 foreign countries and U.S. territories. Outside of the U.S., Carl's Jr. is currently present in [[Australia]], [[Belarus]], [[Bolivia]], [[Brazil]], [[Cambodia]], Canada (western provinces), [[Chile]], [[China]], [[Colombia]], [[Costa Rica]], [[Denmark]], [[Dominican Republic]], [[Ecuador]], [[France]], [[Guatemala]], [[Honduras]], [[India]], [[Indonesia]] (Closed in December 2023, reopened in July 2024), [[Japan]], [[Malaysia]], [[Mexico]], [[New Zealand]], [[Nicaragua]], [[Panama]], [[Russia]], [[Singapore]], [[Spain]], [[Turkey]], and [[Vietnam]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://maps.carlsjr.com/stores/international|title=Carl's Jr. &#124; Store Locations|website=maps.carlsjr.com|access-date=December 25, 2018|archive-date=September 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927171018/http://maps.carlsjr.com/stores/international|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was expected to come to the [[United Kingdom]] in mid-2023,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-03-16 |title=American burger brand Carl's Jr plans to enter UK market |url=https://www.verdictfoodservice.com/news/carls-jr-uk-market/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510180710/https://www.verdictfoodservice.com/news/carls-jr-uk-market/ |archive-date=May 10, 2023 |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=Verdict Food Service |language=en-US}}</ref> but as of May 2024 no date is set for its entry there.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.timeout.com/uk/news/this-massive-american-fast-food-chain-is-coming-to-the-uk-052424 |title=This massive American fast food chain is coming to the UK |magazine=[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]] |last=McNamee |first=Annie |date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=July 29, 2024}}</ref>

In July 2024, the Carl’s Jr Australia [[master franchise]]e went into [[Australian insolvency law|voluntary administration]] with 20 company owned restaurants immediately closed meantime, but 4 company and 25 independent stores will operate. [[KPMG]] has been appointed [[Insolvency practitioner|administrators]] of CJ’s QSR Group Pty Ltd, and the CJ’s Group. The 25 unaffected stores will be quietly transferred to direct supervision by CKE Resturaunts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Perrie |first1=Stewart |title=Hundreds of Aussie jobs in limbo as iconic burger chain goes into voluntary administration|url=https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/hundreds-of-aussie-jobs-in-limbo-as-iconic-burger-chain-goes-into-voluntary-administration-221022769.html |accessdate=July 30, 2024 |publisher= [[Yahoo Finance]]|date=July 30, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/restaurants-bars/beloved-us-burger-chain-carls-jr-goes-into-administration-in-australia/news-story/bb28a8c98be797a05991e2e427906b71|title=Beloved US burger chain Carl's Jr goes into administration in Australia|publisher=[[News.com.au]]|date=July 30, 2024|accessdate=July 31, 2024}}</ref> Suspected factors of the collapse include reduced discretional spending, increased costs, and overly optimistic expansion to places 'the middle of nowhere' amid fierce market saturation. CKE still stands committed to expanding to Australia, despite the 24 stores possibly closing for good. <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wyndhamtv.com.au/carls-jr-battles-to-reclaim-its-australian-market-share/|title=Carl’s Jr. Battles to Reclaim its Australian Market Share|date=August 19, 2024|accessdate=September 10, 2024|publisher=Wyndham News}}</ref>Since July they have closed additional stores like Pimpama, QLD and Bringelly, NSW but reopened the closed site at Clayton, VIC. 

==Philanthropy==
CKE conducts an annual Stars for Heroes in-store fundraising campaign at both Carl's Jr. and Hardee's to benefit U.S. military veterans and their families.

==Co-branding==
In several [[Western United States|Western U.S.]] locations, Carl's Jr. parent CKE has begun operating co-branded restaurants with its [[Green Burrito]] group. This same strategy has also been used by [[Yum! Brands]] with its [[KFC]], [[Pizza Hut]], [[Taco Bell]]. And Formerly Yum! Brands  [[A&W Restaurants]], and [[Long John Silver's]] concepts to expand brands without the additional expense of new buildings and land.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hoovers.com/yum!/--ID__53993--/free-co-factsheet.xhtml |title=YUM! Brands, Inc. |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |publisher=[[Hoover's]] |date=<!--undated--> |access-date=October 17, 2007 |archive-date=April 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418144021/http://www.hoovers.com/yum!/--ID__53993--/free-co-factsheet.xhtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Advertising==
[[File:Carl's Jr. Signage.svg|thumb|right|200px|Carl's Jr. logo from June 12, 2006,<ref name="ocregister">{{cite web | url=https://www.ocregister.com/2006/06/12/new-logos-for-carls-jr-and-hardees-revealed/ | title=New logos for Carl's Jr. and Hardee's revealed | publisher=[[The Orange County Register]] | date=12 June 2006 | accessdate=21 November 2022 | archive-date=November 25, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125010453/https://www.ocregister.com/2006/06/12/new-logos-for-carls-jr-and-hardees-revealed/ | url-status=live }}</ref> to March 28, 2017. Still used at most locations.]]
[[File:Carl's Jr logo.svg|thumb|right|200px|Carl's Jr. logo from November 5, 2018,<ref name="adweek">{{cite web | url=https://www.adweek.com/creativity/carls-jr-satirizes-its-scandalous-past-with-ad-starring-the-famously-awkward-celeste-barber/ | title=Carl's Jr. Satirizes Its Scandalous Past With Ad Starring the Famously Awkward Celeste Barber | publisher=[[Adweek]] | date=5 November 2018 | accessdate=21 November 2022 | author=Zanger, Doug | archive-date=November 22, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122002206/https://www.adweek.com/creativity/carls-jr-satirizes-its-scandalous-past-with-ad-starring-the-famously-awkward-celeste-barber/ | url-status=live }}</ref> to September 21, 2022 (it was still used on its website until early December). Still used on some newly remodeled locations.]]
When Carl's Jr. first started rebranding Hardee's locations into the Carl's Jr. name, both chains mostly kept separate ads. This changed with the now-infamous [[Paris Hilton]] ad (see below) and the "Without us, some guys would starve." Campaign, which aired as either for Carl's Jr. or Hardee's, depending on where the ads aired. This would continue with other ads for the next several years, including ads by [[Kate Upton]], [[Kim Kardashian]], [[Emily Ratajkowski]], [[Sara Jean Underwood]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cinemablend.com/television/Watch-Uncut-Version-Burger-Commercial-Featuring-Playmate-Sara-Underwood-46388.html |title=Watch the Uncut Version of the Burger Commercial Featuring Playmate Sara Underwood |access-date=July 10, 2014 |date=September 1, 2012 |publisher=Cinema Blend |last=Grabert |first=Jessica |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714161719/http://www.cinemablend.com/television/Watch-Uncut-Version-Burger-Commercial-Featuring-Playmate-Sara-Underwood-46388.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.people.com/article/paris-hilton-returns-carls-jr-ad-commercial-cameo-model-hannah-ferguson |title=Paris Hilton Returns in a New Carl's Jr. Commercial |date=July 24, 2014 |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |first=Mariah |last=Haas |access-date=February 1, 2015 |archive-date=December 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202033646/http://www.people.com/article/paris-hilton-returns-carls-jr-ad-commercial-cameo-model-hannah-ferguson |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Hannah Ferguson]], [[Heidi Klum]], [[Charlotte McKinney]], [[Ronda Rousey]], [[Padma Lakshmi]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2015/05/29/carls-jr-ceo-not-all-models-know-how-to-eat-burgers/ |title=Carl's Jr. CEO: Not all models know how to eat burgers |last=Choi |first=Candace |agency=[[Associated Press]] |work=[[KOVR]] |date=May 29, 2015 |access-date=June 25, 2015 |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626121421/http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2015/05/29/carls-jr-ceo-not-all-models-know-how-to-eat-burgers/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Hayden Panettiere]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/751811/hayden-panettiere-has-a-sexy-new-role-carl-s-jr-commercial-star |title=Hayden Panettiere Has a Sexy New Role: Carl's Jr. Commercial Star |last=Heller |first=Corinne |publisher=[[E! Online]] |date=March 26, 2016 |access-date=March 31, 2016 |archive-date=March 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329070620/http://www.eonline.com/news/751811/hayden-panettiere-has-a-sexy-new-role-carl-s-jr-commercial-star |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 1997, commercials featuring [[NBA]] player [[Dennis Rodman]] were, pulled after he was fined a then-record $25,000 and suspended for 11 games for kicking a cameraman in the groin during a game in [[Minneapolis]], [[Minnesota]]. His commercials resumed airing after his suspension was lifted. However, in June of that same year, Carl's Jr pulled his commercials for good after he was fined a then-record $50,000 for using profanity against Mormons during a game in [[Salt Lake City]], [[Utah]].

In 2005, Carl's Jr. launched a marketing campaign featuring bikini-clad models posing suggestively to capture the "hungry, young guy" demographic. The advertisements were criticized for objectifying women and prompted calls to boycott Carl's Jr.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mccombs |first1=Brady |title=Utah women target Carl's Jr. for racy ads |url=http://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=/sltrib/news/58365773-78/women-ads-carl-kite.html.csp |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |agency=Associated Press |date=September 2, 2014 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220105232/http://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=/sltrib/news/58365773-78/women-ads-carl-kite.html.csp |url-status=live }}</ref> Company CEO [[Andrew Puzder]] defended the campaign in ''[[Entrepreneur (magazine)|Entrepreneur]]'' magazine, saying, "I like our ads. I like beautiful women eating burgers in bikinis. I think it's very American."<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Kate |title=The CEO of Carl's Jr. Doesn't Care If You're Offended by the Chain's Sexy Ads |url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/246487 |work=Entrepreneur |date=May 20, 2015 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |archive-date=January 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127171042/https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/246487 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the years before his death in 2008, Karcher objected to the sexualized nature of the company's advertising, and was reported "just heartbroken" that a company he founded on Christian principles has taken such "an amoral act."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailynews.com/article/ZZ/20080111/NEWS/801119880 |title=Carl Karcher, founder of Carl's Jr. restaurant chain, dead at 90 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Daily News]] |date=January 11, 2008 |first=Gillian |last=Flaccus |agency=Associated Press |access-date=August 12, 2016 |archive-date=September 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160905065104/http://www.dailynews.com/article/ZZ/20080111/NEWS/801119880 |url-status=live }}</ref> Karcher had previously criticized CKE's previous campaigns during the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web|date=1993-10-02|title=Karcher Board Ousts Chairman : Shake-up: Elizabeth Sanders replaces Carl Karcher as battle for control of Anaheim-based Carl's Jr. empire escalates. Founder says he may try to unseat his foes.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-10-02-mn-41277-story.html|access-date=2021-01-28|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|archive-date=February 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209141114/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-10-02-mn-41277-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Paris Hilton campaign===
In May 2005, Carl's Jr. introduced its "Spicy BBQ Six Dollar Burger" in a television advertisement created by Mendelsohn Zien Advertising. The ad features [[Paris Hilton]] in a provocative swimsuit soaping up a [[Bentley]] automobile and crawling all over it before taking a big bite out of her burger and giving her signature phrase, "That's hot."<ref name="cnnmoney-unapologetic-spicy">{{cite news |url=https://money.cnn.com/2005/05/24/news/newsmakers/carls_ad/ |title=Carl's Jr. Unapologetic over Spicy Burger commercial |date=June 1, 2005 |publisher=[[CNNMoney]] |access-date=October 22, 2010 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |archive-date=December 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230062458/https://money.cnn.com/2005/05/24/news/newsmakers/carls_ad/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first=Margo |last=Berman |author2=Robyn Blakeman |year=2009 |chapter=Where Campaigns and Brands Go Off Course |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vV_jXfalhtEC&q=%22Paris+Hilton%22+%22that%27s+hot%22+signature&pg=PA147 |title=The Brains Behind Great Ad Campaigns |publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield Publishers]] |location=[[Lanham, Maryland]] |page=147 |isbn=978-0-7425-5550-1 |lccn=2008055414 |access-date=January 16, 2017 |via=Google Books |archive-date=July 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703233413/https://books.google.com/books?id=vV_jXfalhtEC&q=%22Paris+Hilton%22+%22that%27s+hot%22+signature&pg=PA147 |url-status=live }}</ref> The commercial was directed by [[Chris Applebaum]].<ref name=":0" />

With the two chains selling many common menu items by 2013, Carl's Jr. began to advertise nationally in conjunction with Hardee's for products sold by both brands.

===All Natural campaign===
In January 2015, Carl's Jr. released a commercial online featuring model [[Charlotte McKinney]] advertising its new [[Organic food|All Natural]] Burger to air regionally [[Super Bowl advertising|during]] [[Super Bowl XLIX]]. The ad features McKinney walking around a [[farmers' market]], implying that she is [[Naturism|"all natural"]], and uses [[double entendre]]s to suggest that she is naked with strategically placed items in the market until it reveals McKinney in a [[bikini]] eating the All Natural Burger. Critics suggest that the ad "sets [[feminism]] back four decades," while others, including McKinney's elderly grandfather, enjoyed the ad.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://wtnh.com/2015/01/22/racy-super-bowl-ad-draws-controversy/ |title=Racy Super Bowl ad draws controversy |website=[[WTNH]] |date=January 22, 2015 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |access-date=February 1, 2015 |archive-date=August 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830145544/http://wtnh.com/2015/01/22/racy-super-bowl-ad-draws-controversy/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/617474/carl-s-jr-s-new-super-bowl-commercial-featuring-a-naked-model-may-be-too-hot-for-tv-watch-now |title=Carl's Jr.'s New Super Bowl Commercial Featuring a Naked Model May Be Too Hot for TV! Watch Now |website=[[E!]] |date=January 22, 2015 |first=Brett |last=Malec}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.people.com/article/charlotte-mckinney-dad-loves-carls-jr-commercial |title=Charlotte McKinney's Dad 'Friggin' Loved' Her Carl's Jr. Super Bowl Commercial |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=January 29, 2015 |first=Ana |last=Calderone |access-date=February 1, 2015 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061826/http://www.people.com/article/charlotte-mckinney-dad-loves-carls-jr-commercial |url-status=live }}</ref> The ad now features Hardee's co-branding as the All Natural Burger is now offered by Hardee's. As of June 2016, Charlotte McKinney's "Au Natural" ad debut has garnered over 4.5 billion media impressions worldwide<ref name=bw-2015oct15>{{cite press release |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151015005400/en/Carl%E2%80%99s-Jr.-Hardee%E2%80%99s-Team-Activision%E2%80%99s-Call-Duty |title=Carl's Jr. and Hardee's Team With Activision's Call of Duty: Black Ops III to Create the Ultimate Care Package: First-of-its-kind collaboration includes in-restaurant and in-game integrations, sweepstakes, and nationwide ad featuring the return of Charlotte McKinney |work=[[Business Wire]] |date=October 15, 2015 }}</ref> and more than 13 million views on the chains' YouTube channel.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WTA_8waxTo |title=Carl's Jr. Charlotte McKinney All-Natural "Too Hot For TV" Commercial|publisher=Carl's Jr.|format=[[YouTube]] |date=January 10, 2015}}</ref>

===Carl Hardee Sr. campaign===
In March 2017, Carl's Jr. released a commercial featuring a white-bearded character named Carl Hardee Sr. (played by [[Charles Esten]]) who had come back into the office (much to the delight of the employees) to find his son Carl Jr. ([[Drew Tarver]]) who was focusing on sex appeal over its food. The commercial marked a turning point in CKE's advertising, claiming it wanted to move away from its provocative ads and focus more on food and as a competitor to [[Five Guys]], [[Steak 'n Shake]], and [[In-N-Out Burger]]. "Carl Hardee Sr." is also expected to become the new company spokesperson. The campaign also introduced modernized logos for both Carl's Jr. and Hardee's.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Charisse |last1=Jones |first2=Zlati |last2=Meyer |date=March 29, 2017 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/03/29/sexy-burger-girls-no-longer-carls-jr-and-hardees/99595086/ |title=Sexy Burger Girls? No Longer at Carl's Jr. and Hardee's |newspaper=USA Today |access-date=June 24, 2017 |archive-date=November 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104131448/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/03/29/sexy-burger-girls-no-longer-carls-jr-and-hardees/99595086/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===The Call of Carl's campaign===
In 2018, CKE resumed producing separate campaigns for their Hardee's and Carl's Jr. brands. For Carl's Jr., it started ''The Call of Carl's'' campaign featuring the voice of Academy Award-winning actor [[Matthew McConaughey]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/carls-jr-and-matthew-mcconaughey-skip-the-sex-appeal-and-go-straight-to-the-bacon-in-new-ads/|title=Carl's Jr. and Matthew McConaughey Skip the Sex Appeal and Go Straight to the Bacon in New Ads|publisher=Adweek|first=Patrick|last=Coffee|date=February 20, 2018|access-date=February 10, 2019|archive-date=February 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212020549/https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/carls-jr-and-matthew-mcconaughey-skip-the-sex-appeal-and-go-straight-to-the-bacon-in-new-ads/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
*{{portal-inline|Companies}}
*{{portal-inline|Food}}
*[[Hardee's]]
*[[List of hamburger restaurants]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage|Fast food in North America}}
{{Commons category|Carl's Jr.}}
*{{official website|www.carlsjr.com}}

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