Carl's Jr Restaurants

What Carl's Jr Restaurants does

Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC operates a quick-service restaurant chain founded in 1941 by Carl Karcher, now a privately held subsidiary of CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee. The chain runs more than 1,100 domestic restaurants and has a presence in 28 countries, serving individual consumers seeking value-priced charbroiled burgers, hand-breaded chicken, breakfast items, and family bundles. Signature menu items include the Famous Star, Western Bacon Cheeseburger, Big Carl, El Diablo, Guacamole Bacon Burger, and Angus Thickburgers, with limited-time offers such as the Cali XL and Western Bacon Chicken Sandwich priced at $5.99 to compete in the burger and chicken value tiers.

The business operates through a hybrid company-owned and franchise model, generating revenue across dine-in, drive-thru, takeout, mobile app, web ordering (order.carlsjr.com), and third-party delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats) channels. The proprietary My Rewards loyalty program (10 Stars per $1 spent, redemption tiers at 150/300/500 Stars) and a mobile ordering application on iOS and Android form the core digital stack, supported by gift card distribution via BuyATab. Differentiated product preparation (charbroiled rather than fried beef, hand-breaded chicken, Cherrywood bacon) and category firsts (first QSR nationwide plant-based burger via Beyond Meat in 2019, first QSR CBD-infused burger) define the brand's positioning within the value-oriented fast-food segment.

The company pursues a competitive acquisition posture through franchise and licensing expansion internationally, LTO-driven traffic generation, and competitor-targeted promotions such as 'Pass on Jack' and the 'Sad Mac Buy Back' campaign. Operations also extend into catering via the Star Diner Food Truck in Western US markets. As part of CKE Restaurants Holdings — alongside sister brand Hardee's — Carl's Jr. benefits from shared corporate infrastructure but does not publicly disclose financial results.

Name

Carl's Jr Restaurants

Legal name

Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC

Website

https://carlsjr.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1941

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Carl's Jr. Restaurants is a privately held American quick-service chain (founded 1941, subsidiary of CKE Restaurants Holdings) operating 1,100+ domestic locations across 28 countries, selling charbroiled burgers, hand-breaded chicken, and value meal bundles to mass-market consumers through dine-in, drive-thru, mobile app, and delivery channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Quick-Service Restaurants

NAICS

Limited-Service Restaurants (722513), Mobile Food Services (72233)

SIC

Retail-Eating Places (5812), Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)

akta.pro primary industry

Burger QSR (THAFAAAA)

Keywords

• Quick-service restaurants
• Charbroiled burgers
• Fast food chain
• Drive-thru dining
• Franchise restaurants

Headquarters

HQ city

Franklin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Restaurant Food and Beverage Sales: Primary revenue stream from sale of food and beverages at company-owned and franchise restaurant locations. Includes dine-in, drive-thru, and takeout orders placed directly at locations.
2. Digital Ordering Sales: Revenue from orders placed through proprietary mobile app and website (order.carlsjr.com), including pickup, drive-thru, and delivery fulfillment.
3. Third-Party Delivery Orders: Revenue from delivery orders placed through DoorDash and Uber Eats platforms, though these orders do not earn My Rewards Stars.
4. Franchise Fees and Royalty Income: Revenue from franchise operations with more than 1,100 domestic restaurants and international presence in 28 countries.
5. Gift Card Sales: Revenue from sale of physical and digital gift cards through the website and third-party platform BuyATab.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Carl's Jr. operates a quick-service restaurant chain selling charbroiled burgers (Famous Star, Western Bacon Cheeseburger, Big Carl, El Diablo, Guacamole Bacon Burger, Angus Thickburgers), hand-breaded chicken sandwiches and tenders, charbroiled chicken sandwiches, breakfast items, sides, beverages, and value meal bundles through more than 1,100 company-owned and franchised U.S. restaurants and a presence in 28 countries. The chain supplements in-store dining with drive-thru, takeout, proprietary mobile app and website ordering, third-party delivery via DoorDash and Uber Eats, a My Rewards loyalty program, gift cards, and a Star Diner Food Truck catering service.

Product overview

Carl's Jr. operates as a quick-service restaurant chain with a unified product portfolio centered on charbroiled burgers, hand-breaded chicken items, and breakfast offerings. The core product line includes signature charbroiled burgers (Famous Star, Western Bacon Cheeseburger, Big Carl, El Diablo, Guacamole Bacon Burger, and Angus Thickburgers), hand-breaded chicken sandwiches and tenders, and charbroiled chicken sandwiches. The breakfast program features burgers served all day, biscuits, and burritos. Supporting items include fries, onion rings, beverages, shakes, and desserts. The company offers value bundles through Star Deals (BYOB, Famous for Four, Feast for Four), a loyalty program (My Rewards), mobile and web-based ordering platforms, and third-party delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats. Carl's Jr. also provides catering services via its Star Diner Food Truck and gift card products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Famous Star With Cheese Flagship charbroiled all-beef patty burger with melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, sliced onions, dill pickles, Special Sauce, and mayonnaise on a seeded bun. Sold at participating Carl's Jr. restaurants for dine-in, drive-thru, takeout, delivery, and online/app ordering.
• Western Bacon Cheeseburger Charbroiled all-beef patty topped with crispy Cherrywood bacon, melted American cheese, crispy onion rings, and tangy BBQ sauce on a seeded bun. Targeted at consumers seeking bold, smoky flavor combinations.
• Big Carl Charbroiled all-beef patty burger with Classic Sauce, melted American cheese, and lettuce on a seeded bun. Targeted at consumers seeking a classic Carl's Jr. charbroiled burger experience.
• El Diablo Spicy charbroiled burger featuring Cherrywood bacon, jalapeno poppers, Pepper Jack cheese, pickled jalapeno coins, and fiery habanero ranch sauce. Targeted at consumers seeking bold and spicy flavor profiles.
• Guacamole Bacon Burger Charbroiled burger with guacamole, Cherrywood bacon, Pepper Jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, sliced onions, and Santa Fe sauce. Targeted at consumers seeking premium toppings and flavor variety.
• Angus Thickburgers Premium burger line featuring third-pound 100% Angus beef, charbroiled and served on a Brioche Bun with various toppings. Targeted at consumers seeking a higher-end burger option within the QSR setting.
• Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich Crispy hand-breaded chicken breast sandwich (660 calories) served at Carl's Jr. restaurants. Targeted at consumers seeking a non-burger protein option with a hand-breaded, crispy texture.
• Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders Hand-breaded chicken tenders available in 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20 piece portions at Carl's Jr. restaurants. Targeted at consumers seeking shareable or individual chicken portions.
• Charbroiled Chicken Sandwiches Line of charbroiled chicken sandwiches including Charbroiled Chicken Club, Charbroiled Santa Fe Chicken, Charbroiled BBQ Chicken, and Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Targeted at consumers seeking a charbroiled chicken alternative to beef burgers.
• Beyond Famous Star Plant-based flexitarian burger option created in partnership with Beyond Meat and launched in 2019, making Carl's Jr. the first QSR to introduce a plant-based burger nationwide. Targeted at flexitarian and health-conscious consumers.
• The Breakfast Burger Charbroiled all-beef patty with crispy Cherrywood bacon, egg, American cheese, Hash Rounds, and Ketchup on a seeded bun. Targeted at consumers seeking a burger-style breakfast option.
• Guacamole Bacon Burrito Crispy Cherrywood bacon, scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, and guacamole wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Targeted at consumers seeking a premium breakfast burrito option.
• Sides and Desserts Menu supporting items including Natural-Cut French Fries, Waffle Fries, Onion Rings, Fried Zucchini, Jalapeno Poppers, Hash Rounds, Chocolate Cake, Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake, and Chocolatey Chip Cookies. Targeted at consumers complementing a main menu order.
• Beverages Beverage offerings including Triple Berry Frozen and Lemonade, Frozen Lemonade, Hand-Crafted Lemonade, Iced Coffee, Soft Drinks, Dasani Water, 100% Arabica Coffee, milk varieties, and Simply Orange. Targeted at consumers seeking fountain and specialty drink pairings.
• Star Deals Value meal bundles including BYOB (Build Your Own Bag), Famous for Four, Feast for Four, and California Classic Double Cheeseburger. Targeted at value-conscious consumers and groups seeking bundled meals.
• StarPals Kids Meals Kids meal program with options including Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Chicken Stars, and 2-piece Chicken Tender meals. Targeted at families with children seeking kid-friendly menu options.
• Western Bacon Chicken Sandwich Limited-time hand-breaded chicken sandwich featuring Cherrywood bacon, American cheese, onion rings, and Western Barbecue sauce, priced at $5.99, available through May 12. Targeted at consumers seeking a bold-flavored chicken sandwich.
• Cali XL Burger Two charbroiled all-beef patties with two slices of American cheese, grilled onions, Classic Sauce, lettuce, and tomato on a seeded bun. Limited-time offering priced at $5.99 with twice the beef of industry leaders. Targeted at consumers seeking a high-protein, value-priced burger.
• Dipping Sauces Dipping sauce lineup including Western Barbecue Sauce, Diablo Habanero Ranch, Garlic Parmesan, Ranch, and Santa Fe sauce. Targeted at consumers seeking flavor variety to pair with menu items.
• My Rewards Loyalty Program Free digital loyalty program where members earn 10 Stars for every $1 spent on digital orders, with exclusive offers, Bonus Star promos, and free food redemptions starting at 150 Stars. New members receive a free welcome item (Western Bacon Cheeseburger, Famous Star, or Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich) with a minimum $1 purchase. Targeted at repeat customers seeking rewards and exclusive digital offers.
• Carl's Jr. Mobile App Mobile ordering application available on iOS and Android enabling online ordering, My Rewards membership, exclusive mobile offers, and order tracking. Targeted at digitally engaged consumers seeking convenient mobile ordering.
• Third-Party Delivery Service Third-party delivery service partnerships with DoorDash and Uber Eats enabling customers to order Carl's Jr. menu items for delivery. Delivery fees and pricing may vary by location; delivery orders do not earn My Rewards Stars and gift cards cannot be used. Targeted at consumers preferring delivery over dine-in or takeout.
• Online Ordering Web-based ordering system accessible at order.carlsjr.com enabling customers to place digital orders for pickup, drive-thru, or curbside service at participating locations. Targeted at consumers seeking web-based ordering with location selection.
• Star Diner Food Truck Mobile food truck service for events and catering, available in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, and Reno. Targeted at event organizers and groups seeking on-site catering.
• Gift Cards Gift card products including physical gift cards, digital gift cards, reloadable gift cards, and bulk corporate gift cards sold via the BuyATab platform. Targeted at individual gift-givers and corporate buyers seeking bulk gift cards.

Quantifiable outcome

• First QSR to offer plant-based burger nationwide
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Beyond MeatcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Carl's Jr. partnered with Beyond Meat in 2019 to launch the Beyond Famous Star, becoming the first QSR to introduce a plant-based burger option to its stores nationwide. This flexitarian burger became an instant sensation and positioned Carl's Jr. as an innovator in plant-based fast food offerings.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Shake Shack: Shake Shack is an emerging better-burger and chicken-sandwich peer with a strong digital/loyalty engine and growing national footprint. It competes for the same flexitarian and quality-conscious consumer Carl's Jr. targets via the Beyond Famous Star and charbroiled chicken line.
• Five Guys: Five Guys competes in the better-burger tier adjacent to Carl's Jr.'s Angus Thickburger and Six Dollar Burger heritage. While premium-priced, Five Guys captures trade-up occasions that Carl's Jr. would otherwise defend through its charbroiled/hand-breaded quality cues.

Direct peers

• Steak 'n Shake: Steak 'n Shake is a direct QSR peer with a long heritage in the burger category, broad U.S. footprint, and value-tier pricing. While currently navigating operational and franchisee stress, it competes for the same value-conscious burger customer Carl's Jr. targets.
• Burger King: Burger King is a direct QSR peer operating a global franchise system of charbroiled/flame-grilled burgers at value-tier price points. It competes head-to-head with Carl's Jr. in the U.S. and many of the same international markets on menu architecture, promotional cadence, and digital ordering.
• Wendy's: Wendy's is a direct QSR peer competing on square-patty burgers, value menus, and digital loyalty at a similar price architecture ($5.99 area). Carl's Jr.'s Cali XL launch ("twice the beef of industry leaders") is positioned as a counter to Wendy's and McDonald's.
• Jack in the Box: Jack in the Box is a direct QSR peer with a broad menu spanning burgers, chicken, tacos, and 24-hour service across the Western U.S. Carl's Jr.'s "Pass on Jack" campaign explicitly names Jack in the Box as a target competitor, confirming direct competitive overlap in value-tier burger occasions.
• Hardee's: Hardee's is the sibling QSR brand under the same CKE Restaurants Holdings parent, with an overlapping menu of charbroiled burgers, hand-breaded chicken, and breakfast biscuits. It is a near-clone concept in the same operating system, sharing supply chain, tech stack, and franchise infrastructure with Carl's Jr.

Regional players

• Whataburger: Whataburger is a Southern and Southwestern U.S. regional QSR burger chain with strong brand loyalty and a 24-hour operating model. It is a partial geographic competitor to Carl's Jr. in Texas, Arizona, and adjacent states, with overlapping menu categories.
• In-N-Out Burger: In-N-Out is a West Coast regional QSR competitor with strong cult brand equity that directly contests Carl's Jr.'s core Western U.S. heartland. It offers a simpler menu of fresh beef burgers at comparable price points, putting pressure on Carl's Jr.'s West Coast share of stomach.

Broad incumbents

• McDonald's: McDonald's is the broad incumbent in QSR, dwarfing Carl's Jr. in scale and directly named by Carl's Jr. marketing ("Sad Mac Buy Back"). It competes in the same burger QSR segment, but operates a much broader global system with deeper digital and breakfast offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/carlsjr
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/Carlsjr
• Facebookfacebook.com/carlsjr
• Instagraminstagram.com/carlsjr

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Carl's Jr Restaurants