Why Is It Called Carl’s Jr.?
Because the first Carl’s Jr. restaurants were smaller versions of Carl Karcher’s original Carl’s Drive-In Barbecue in Anaheim.
The story behind the name
Carl Karcher started with a hot dog cart in Los Angeles in 1941 and opened Carl’s Drive-In Barbecue in Anaheim in 1945. In 1956 he opened two small restaurants in Anaheim and Brea with a short menu of burgers and hot dogs. They were the little brothers of the drive-in, so they became Carl’s Jr.
| Restaurant | Year | What it was |
|---|---|---|
| Hot dog cart | 1941 | Carl and Margaret Karcher’s first business in Los Angeles |
| Carl’s Drive-In Barbecue | 1945 | Full service drive-in in Anaheim |
| Carl’s Jr. | 1956 | Smaller quick service spin offs in Anaheim and Brea |
The star logo
The smiling star logo has been part of the brand for decades and was later added to Hardee’s restaurants after the two chains came under CKE Restaurants.
See the menu
See the Western Bacon Cheeseburger and other prices on the Carl’s Jr. menu.
Related Questions
Who is Carl in Carl’s Jr.?
Carl Karcher, who founded the chain with his wife Margaret.
Why the Jr. in Carl’s Jr.?
The first Carl’s Jr. restaurants were smaller versions of his Carl’s Drive-In Barbecue.
When did the first Carl’s Jr. open?
In 1956, in Anaheim and Brea, California.
Is there a Carl’s Sr.?
No. The original restaurant was called Carl’s Drive-In Barbecue.
Is Carl’s Jr. the same as Hardee’s?
They are sister chains owned by CKE Restaurants.
Where is Carl’s Jr. most common?
In California and the western US.
More on Carl’s Jr.
About this guide. USA Food Menu is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with Carl’s Jr. or CKE Restaurants. Details come from public sources and were checked in October 2026. See current prices on the Carl’s Jr. menu.
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