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- Founded in 2013
- Franchising Since 2013
- 1020 US Franchises
- $1,303,000 - $3,436,000 Investment Range
- $1,441,022 Average Gross Revenue
- 4% Royalty Fee
- $25,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Carl's Jr. franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingCarl's Jr. stands as an iconic American fast-food chain that has revolutionized the burger industry with its bold, innovative approach to casual dining. Known for their premium, charbroiled burgers and creative menu offerings, Carl's Jr. has built a loyal following across the Western and Southwestern United States, with a particularly strong presence in California, Arizona, and Texas.
What sets Carl's Jr. apart is their commitment to delivering 'premium fast food' – serving restaurant-quality burgers in a quick-service environment. Their signature charbroiled patties, made from 100% Angus beef, are complemented by fresh, quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations that elevate the traditional fast-food experience. From their famous Western Bacon Cheeseburger to innovative offerings like their Guacamole Burger, Carl's Jr. continues to push culinary boundaries while maintaining consistent quality.
The brand's modern restaurant designs, typically featuring contemporary architecture and comfortable dining areas, create an inviting atmosphere that appeals to a broad customer base. Their locations are strategically positioned in high-traffic areas, from urban centers to highway stops, making them accessible to both daily commuters and travelers.
For potential franchisees, Carl's Jr. offers a proven business model backed by decades of operational excellence and brand recognition. The franchise provides comprehensive training programs, marketing support, and ongoing operational guidance to help ensure success. With a focus on innovation and quality, Carl's Jr. continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences while maintaining its position as a leader in the premium fast-food segment.
How much does it cost to start a franchise with Carl's Jr.?
- Franchise Fee
- $25,000
- Investment Range
- $1,303,000 - $3,436,000
- Investment Midpoint
- $2,369,500
- Minimum Cash Required
- $1,303,000
- Royalty Fees
- 4%
- Brand Fund
- 6%
The fast-casual burger segment faces intensifying competition but benefits from consumer demand for premium burger experiences. Carl's Jr.'s 1,068 units demonstrate substantial system maturity and operational expertise, providing franchisees with proven business models and established supply chains. The brand's gross revenue of $1.44M exceeds sub-sector averages by approximately 14%, indicating strong unit-level performance potential.
Ideal investors should possess $1M+ liquid capital and restaurant industry experience, given the operational complexity of full-service kitchen operations. The brand's western U.S. concentration suggests expansion opportunities in underserved markets, though territory availability varies significantly. Multi-unit development potential exists for qualified operators seeking portfolio growth.
Key considerations include labor-intensive operations, commodity price sensitivity, and evolving consumer preferences toward healthier options. The franchise's established brand recognition and menu innovation capabilities provide competitive advantages, though success depends heavily on location selection, operational execution, and local market dynamics. Prospective investors should thoroughly review the FDD and conduct comprehensive market analysis.
Understand What It Takes to Get Started!
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See the Revenue Potential!
Curious about how much you could earn? The average gross sales data gives you a realistic view of the franchise's earning potential and success stories from existing franchisees.
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Financing Details
Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Carl's Jr.. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.
Why Financing with Franzy Partners?
Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.
Finance Partners
The franchise's concentration in Western states presents both advantages and opportunities. The established presence in California and Arizona provides strong brand recognition and operational synergies, while emerging markets like New Mexico, Oregon, and Oklahoma offer expansion potential. The brand maintains a developing presence in Nevada, while Idaho, Utah, and Missouri represent markets with growth opportunity, indicating room for strategic expansion in these regions.
Ideal locations typically feature high-traffic areas with strong daytime population, proximity to commercial districts or highways, and demographics aligned with quick-service dining preferences. The most successful units are often situated in areas with median household incomes between $45,000-$75,000 and strong lunch crowd potential. Prospective franchisees should focus on underserved markets within existing territories, particularly in states with limited presence, while maintaining operational efficiency through existing supply chains.
Access the detailed territory map to find prime locations and see where this franchise operates. This information is vital for understanding your market potential and exclusivity rights.
Complete a short questionnaire in just a minute to uncover this map and identify the perfect territory for your business!
Track Growth to Gauge Success!
See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.
Answer a few brief questions to access this growth data and make an informed decision about your future! It only takes 15 seconds and is completely free.
Executive Team
Get to know the leadership behind Carl's Jr.. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Carl's Jr.'s success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Litigation
Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Carl's Jr.. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Bankruptcy
Review Carl's Jr.'s bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Franchisor Assistance
Learn about Carl's Jr.'s comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
- Founded in 2013
- Franchising Since 2013
- 1020 US Franchises
- $1,303,000 - $3,436,000 Investment Range
- $1,441,022 Average Gross Revenue
- 4% Royalty Fee
- $25,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Carl's Jr. franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financing
