About Us
We've been around longer than you think.
OUR 5 STAR DIFFERENCE
Carl’s Jr. delivers the quality, taste and innovation that Australian burger lovers want. We make real food by hand, fresh to order. It’s not the fastest way – it’s the right way.
Our unique menu includes 100% Australian Angus Burgers, 100% Australian Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™ and Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes™ – all delivered to your table with a smile. Plus, you can wash it all down with our famous all-you-can-drink beverage bar (free refills)!
We only use the freshest local produce and highest quality ingredients, guaranteeing the delicious flavours and mouth-watering textures we’re famous for. Whether you prefer spicy exotic flavours or classic recipes, you’ll find something to love at Carls Jr.®.
In 1941 Carl had $326 and a dream.
Our founder, Carl N. Karcher was born January 16, 1917, in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. He left school in the eighth grade to assist his parents on the family farm.
As a young man, Carl moved from Ohio to Anaheim, California, where he worked 12 hours, six days a week, at his uncle’s feed and seed store. In 1939, Carl was hired as a bread wrapper for Armstrong Bakery in Los Angeles, quickly earning a promotion to a sales and delivery position. Later that year, he married Margaret Heinz – a marriage that endured for more than 66 years and yielded 12 children, 51 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren.
On July 17, 1941, Carl and Margaret purchased a hot dog cart for $326 using $15 cash and $311 borrowed on his 1941 Plymouth Super Deluxe. The first day’s sales totalled $14.75. The business grew quickly, and on January 16, 1945, Carl opened Carl’s Drive-In Barbecue in Anaheim, California. The first Carl’s Jr.® restaurants opened in 1956.
Margaret passed away in 2006, and Carl passed in 2008, leaving a legacy that continues to grow around the world.
We have history.
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. opened more locations throughout the states and internationally. In 1997, CKE acquired Hardee's restaurants, expanding business by nearly 2,500 locations.
2000s
In the 2000s, Carl's Jr. introduced some of its most iconic menu items, including the Six Dollar Burger, Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes™, and Charbroiled Turkey Burgers - an industry first.
2010s
In the 2010s, Carl’s Jr. officially opened down under. The first Carl’s Jr. Australia restaurant opened in Bateau Bay, in 2016. Before long, we were serving our famous burgers, chicken, shakes and fries from over 10 locations around Australia.
2020s
We Aussies love Carl’s Jr., with fans and guests now enjoying our Aussie Angus Beef, Hand-Breaded Chicken, and Hand-Scooped Shakes™ at 40-plus restaurants across four states! We have ambitious expansion plans, so if there isn't a Carl's Jr. near you now, chances are there will be soon!
