CARL'S JR
Carl’s Jr. is a quick-service restaurant franchise offering a limited menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner products, featuring charbroiled 100% Black Angus Thickburger sandwiches, Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, Made from Scratch Biscuits, and other related quick-serve menu items, including some dual-concept locations with Green Burrito Mexican food. The business model centers on franchising standalone or multi-unit developments of these restaurants to qualified operators, with company support for training, operations, and system expansion. It targets consumers seeking convenient, affordable fast food options in competitive quick-service markets.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
4% royalty + 6% ad fund + $188-$463/mo technology/software fees
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 955 freestanding Carl's Jr. Restaurants (50 company-operated, 905 franchised) operated during the FY25 Period (January 30, 2024 to January 27, 2025). This representation excludes non-freestanding Carl's Jr. restaurants (e.g., in travel plazas, airports) and those not providing complete revenue data.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How CARL'S JR Compares to Other Fast Food Franchises
Key Insights
- Higher investment than 91% of Fast Food franchises
- Higher than average SBA loan default rate in Fast Food
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CARL'S JR Current | $1.5M - $3.2M | $25K | 4.0% | 982 |
| Burger King | $2.1M - $4.7M | $50K | 4.5% | 19,732 |
| MCDONALD'S | $1.5M - $2.6M | $45K | N/A | 12,772 |
| AFC | $45K - $151K | $6K | 9.5% | 3,572 |
| SONIC DRIVE-IN | $1.7M - $3.1M | $15K | 5.0% | 3,441 |
| JIMMY JOHN'S | $366K - $728K | $35K | 6.0% | 2,647 |
Fast Food Average 127 franchises | $605K - $1.5M | $35K | 6.1% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 127 Fast Food franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2025)
Outlets by state across the United States
+1 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for CARL'S JR franchisees (2011 - 2024)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Dispute with Canadian developer/franchisee over rescission of development and franchise agreements due to alleged disclosure deficiencies, breach of representations, and fair dealing obligations; settled with payment to franchisee.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a CARL'S JR franchise?
The total initial investment to open a CARL'S JR franchise ranges from $1,486,000 to $3,176,500. This includes a franchise fee of $25,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 4.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a CARL'S JR franchise make?
According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue for a CARL'S JR franchise is $1,373,117. The median revenue is $1,302,710.
How many CARL'S JR franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, CARL'S JR has 982 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1984.
Can you get an SBA loan for a CARL'S JR franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for CARL'S JR franchises. Historical data shows 12 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for CARL'S JR franchisees, with an average loan amount of $2,090,825. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is CARL'S JR a good franchise to buy?
CARL'S JR shows several positive indicators: established brand with 982+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
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