RISE - Menu Monitor

Carl's Jr.
Headquarters
6307 Carpinteria Ave. Suite A, Carpinteria, California 93013 USA
Tel: (805)745-7500 Fax: (714)490-3630
www.carlsjr.com
Ownership: Private
Segment: Limited Service Hamburger
System Characteristics 2006 2005 2004
U.S. Systemwide Sales ($000) 1,304,133 1,210,000 1,181,000
Company-owned ($000) 590,613 575,000 558,000
Franchised ($000) 713,520 635,000 623,000
U.S. Number of Units 1,004 983 959
Company-owned 393 428 432
Franchised 611 555 527
International Sales ($000) 82,000 65,000 65,000
International Units 83 66 58
Average Sales/Unit ($000) 1,290 1,250 1,225
Concept Positioning |
Carl’s Jr. is a limited-service hamburger chain that specializes in charbroiled hamburgers and chicken sandwiches. The chain,
owned by CKE Restaurants Inc., operates 1,087 units worldwide, 611 of them franchised.
Most units are freestanding, 2,500–4,000 sq. ft. with seating for 65–115 patrons. The majority include drive-thru facilities. Most
units are located in malls or in-line buildings, Carl's Jr. also has kiosk units. Interiors are light and airy, with food murals, and
bright colors and accent lighting used throughout the dining area. Display cases showcase salads and desserts. Units not
located in high-traffic areas offer limited table service; customers order and pay for their food upon entering, and the food is
delivered to the table after it has been prepared. Several Carl's Jr. restaurants are open 24 hours a day.
Carl N. Karcher opened Carl's Jr. in Anaheim, CA, in 1956. In 1981, with 300 restaurants in operation, Carl Karcher
Enterprises became a publicly held company. In 1994, Carl Karcher Enterprises became a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE
Restaurants, Inc. A revitalization plan was established that included a remodeling and image enhancement program, along
with a dual-branding effort with the Green Burrito concept.
CKE next began a series of acquisitions of other restaurant chains, purchasing the Taco Bueno chain in 1996 and Hardee’s,
the nation’s fourth-largest burger quick-service restaurant chain, in 1997. In 2002, CKE purchased Santa Barbara Restaurant
Group, Inc. (SBRG), acquiring direct ownership of the Green Burrito brand. Currently, the company is seeking franchisees.
Menu Positioning |
Carl's Jr. is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring a wide variety of charbroiled hamburgers, sides, salad, breakfast
and beverages. Popular sandwiches include its the Famous Star Hamburger, Western Bacon Cheeseburger, Super Star
Hamburger, Charbroiled Chicken Club Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich and the Six-Dollar Burger. In 2006, the chain
introduced its new Philly Cheesesteak Burger. Sides include baked potatoes, fries, onion rings and fried zucchini. Most
restaurants have self-service salad bars and all-you-can-drink beverage bars, The chain also offers hand-scooped ice cream
shakes and malts that are blended to order. Flavors include the traditional chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, Oreo cookie—as
well as its newest variety, M&M. The breakfast menu features Steak & Egg Burrito, Smoked Sausage Breakfast Sandwich,
Sunrise Croissant,,Sourdough Breakfast Sandwich, French Toast Dip, pastries and muffins. Menu prices range from $1–
$7.59. Checks average $5.
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