Carl's Jr. restaurant chain

Carl's Jr. is an American fast-food restaurant chain that originated in Los Angeles, California. Founded by Carl Karcher and Margaret Karcher in 1941, the brand started as a hot dog cart before expanding into full-service restaurants and eventually the quick-service model it is known for today.

Today, Carl's Jr. operates thousands of locations globally. While the brand remains quintessentially American, its operations are spread across various continents through a robust franchising model. The food is typically prepared using ingredients sourced from local suppliers in the countries where the franchises operate, leading to a decentralized manufacturing process.

The brand is currently owned by CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., which also oversees the Hardee's brand. CKE is headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, and has been under various private equity ownerships over the years, maintaining a strong international presence while continuing to leverage its Southern California heritage.