Los Angeles, 1941. Young Carl N. Karcher and his wife, Margaret, make a leap of faith and borrow $311 on their Plymouth automobile, add $15 in savings and purchase a hot dog cart.
One cart grows to four, and in less than five years, Carl's Drive-In Barbecue opens with hamburgers on the menu.
The brand continues its growth with an emphasis on quality, service and cleanliness, pioneering concepts such as partial table service and self-serve beverage bars. The introduction of the signature Six Dollar Burger™ in 2001 marks the latest Carl's Jr.® advance in the quick-service industry, confirming the chain's constant emphasis on product innovation and representing a desire to satisfy the tastes of young, hungry consumers.
On his first day in the fast-food business, Carl N. Karcher took in $14.75. For 70 years and over 1,200 restaurants later, Carl's Jr.® has become known as the place to go all across the West for juicy, delicious charbroiled burgers.
