#47
At a Glance
Products & Services: Hamburgers
Number of Locations: 1,338
Total Investment: $1.12M - 1.61M
Founded: 1945
Began Franchising: 1984
About Carl's Jr. Restaurants
In 1941, Carl N. Karcher and his wife Margaret took $15 in savings, borrowed another $311 on their car, and bought a hot dog cart in Los Angeles. They grew their business to four carts before opening the first Carl's Drive-In Barbecue in 1945 and adding hamburgers to the menu. The first Carl's Jr. locations-- so-named because they were smaller than the drive-ins-- opened in the 1950's. Today the company has locations throughout the West and Southwest, and is known for menu items such as its Six Dollar Burgers.Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2012 | 696 | 1 | 217 | 424 |
| 2011 | 684 | 1 | 169 | 425 |
| 2010 | 671 | 0 | 138 | 424 |
| 2009 | 658 | 0 | 121 | 416 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units in the following states:
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Southwest, Texas, Utah, West, Washington.
Franchisor is seeking new units in Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Central America, Eastern Europe, Mexico, South America, Western Europe.
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Southwest, Texas, Utah, West, Washington.
Franchisor is seeking new units in Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Central America, Eastern Europe, Mexico, South America, Western Europe.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $1,121,000 - $1,613,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 20 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 20 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $1,000,000
Liquid Cash Available: $300,000
Operations
100% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed..| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
| Franchise Fee | ||
| Startup Costs | ||
| Equipment | ||
| Inventory | ||
| Accounts Receivable | ||
| Payroll |
How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at franchisee's location. 12 weeks of management training & at grand opening
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising,
Franchise Ranking History
Fastest-Growing: #99 (2009),
Related Stories
- How International Franchisors Are Making a Name for Themselves in the U.S.
- The Pros and Cons of Franchising Your Business
- Small Used Jewelry Business Leads to a Growing Pawn-Shop Franchise
- How 2 Businesses Stumbled Upon Franchising as the Key to Growth
- How a Coffee Franchise With Russian Roots Made it in the U.S.
Related Franchises
Franchise Search
Featured Franchises For Sale
Advertisement
Fund Your Franchise Today
Use your existing IRA or 401k funds to purchase a franchise—with no tax penalties.Click HERE to learn more.
From the Entrepreneur Bookstore
