In Los Angeles, 1941, young Carl N. Karcher and his wife, Margaret, made a leap of faith and purchased a hot dog cart.  One cart grew to four, and in less than five years, Carl’s Drive-in Barbecue opened with hamburgers on the menu. 

The brand continued 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 marked 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 Karcher took in $14.75.  More than sixty years and one thousand restaurants later, Carl’s Jr. has become known as the place to go all across the West for juicy, delicious charbroiled burgers.