Carl's Jr. Franchise Overview

About Carl's Jr.

What began as a lone hot dog cart in Los Angeles, Calif. in 1941 is today an international organization that employs nearly 30,000 people worldwide. Carl's Jr. is a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: CKR) of Carpinteria, Calif. As of the third fiscal quarter ended Nov. 6, 2006, CKE Restaurants, Inc., through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,113 franchised or company-owned restaurants in 43 states and in 14 countries, including 1,079 Carl's Jr. restaurants, 1,923 Hardee's® restaurants and 95 La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill® restaurants.

Franchise History

Founded in 1941 by industry pioneer Carl N. Karcher, Carl's Jr.® has consistently stood for quality and innovation. Operating under the essential philosophy that consumers will pay more for quality and taste, the Carl's Jr.® brand is a leader in both average guest check and gross margins. Carl's Jr.'s® long history of industry innovations have included enhancements to the customer experience, including partial table service, the dual-branding concept, and inventive restaurant design - not to mention the numerous industry-defining products that have graced the menu over the years. Carl's Jr.'s® dual-branding program with CKE Restaurants' quick-service Mexican brand, Green Burrito®, provides for increased variety and market share. Carl's Jr.® advertising has been a key part of its success in its ability to connect with the lifestyle and attitude of its target market and encourage sales of its higher-priced, higher-margin premium burgers.