Overview
Why Carl's Jr.?
Carl's Jr. is a food & beverage brand with over 13 years of operating history and 1,018 active locations. The full Franchise Disclosure Document, including unit-level financials, territory terms, training requirements, and franchisee obligations, is available on request.
The Numbers
Investment & Fees
- Total initial investment
- $1.3M – $2.3M
- Initial franchise fee
- $55K – $70K
- Royalty fee
- Available on request
- Ad / marketing fee
- Available on request
Franchise Disclosure Documents
Carl's Jr. FDDs
$200 per document, one-time. Pay by card and the complete PDF downloads instantly: Item 7 initial investment, Item 19 financial performance where disclosed, Item 20 outlet tables, Item 21 audited financials, and every exhibit. Latest filing on record: 2025.
Who's Operating It
16 franchisees of Carl's Jr.
HAFEMEISTER, JAMES
COLORADOSPRINGS, CO
12unitsCJ STAR, LLC
SPOKANE, WA
7unitsKB RESTAURANTS, INC.
VANCOUVER, WA
6unitsWAMTO, LLC
KENNEWICK, WA
6unitsFRANCIECO., L.P.
NAPAVINE, WA
5unitsNORTHWEST FOODS, L.P.
FREDERICKSON, WA
5unitsCOWA AKASH
BURLINGTON, WA
3unitsMICHAEL RAZIPOUR, MOREY MIRKAZEMI, GLORIA LOCSIN
BAKER, NV
3units
Why every serious buyer reads the FDD
The Franchise Disclosure Document is the single most important piece of paperwork in your due diligence. It's federally mandated and contains everything a franchisor is required to share before you sign.
- Item 7: full breakdown of your real startup costs
- Item 19: actual unit-level revenue performance
- Item 20: franchisee count, openings, closures, transfers
- Item 21: audited financial statements
Frequently Asked
Carl's Jr. franchise FAQ
Is Carl's Jr. a franchise?
Yes. Carl's Jr. is a franchise in the food & beverage category, which means you can own and operate a Carl's Jr. location under a franchise agreement with the franchisor. The total initial investment to open one ranges from $1.3M – $2.3M. The franchisor provides the brand, systems, and ongoing support in exchange for an initial franchise fee and royalties, all disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
How much does it cost to open a Carl's Jr. franchise?
Total initial investment to open a Carl's Jr. franchise ranges from $1.3M – $2.3M according to the latest Franchise Disclosure Document. The actual cost depends on territory, build-out, and local market conditions. Unlock the full FDD on this page for Item 7's full investment breakdown.
What is the Carl's Jr. franchise fee?
The Carl's Jr. initial franchise fee is $55K – $70K, paid to the franchisor at signing. This is separate from total investment and does not include build-out, equipment, or working capital.
How many Carl's Jr. franchise locations are there?
Carl's Jr. operates 1,018 active locations as of the most recent FDD filing. Unlock the latest FDD for state-by-state distribution and openings/closures from Item 20.
When was Carl's Jr. founded?
Carl's Jr. was founded in 2013, giving the brand 13 years of operating history. Brand longevity matters in franchising because it correlates with refined operations, established supplier relationships, and a tested franchisee playbook.
Is a Carl's Jr. franchise profitable?
Carl's Jr. unit-level profitability depends on location, operating costs, staffing, and management. When a franchisor makes an earnings claim, it appears in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, the only place franchise financial performance is officially disclosed. Unlock the Carl's Jr. FDD on this page to review any Item 19 financial performance representation.
How do I apply for a Carl's Jr. franchise opportunity?
Unlock the Carl's Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document on this page for a flat $200. Pay by card and the complete PDF downloads instantly. The FDD contains everything you need to evaluate the opportunity: Item 7 investment, Item 19 financial performance, Item 20 unit counts and franchisee turnover, and Item 21 audited financials.
Where can I get the Carl's Jr. FDD?
The current Carl's Jr. FDD can be unlocked directly on this page for $200 and downloaded as a PDF immediately. Franchise Disclosure Documents are federally regulated by the FTC and must be provided to prospective franchisees at least 14 days before signing any binding agreement or paying any fee.
Compare
More Food & Beverage opportunities
- Food & Beverage
Subway
20,576
Units worldwide
- Founded
- 1991
- Investment
- $239K – $537K
- Food & Beverage
McDonald's
12,764
Units worldwide
- Founded
- 1955
- Investment
- $1.5M – $2.6M
- Food & Beverage
Dunkin' Donuts
8,087
Units worldwide
- Founded
- 2006
- Investment
- —
- Food & Beverage
7-Eleven
7,169
Units worldwide
- Founded
- 1961
- Investment
- —
- Food & Beverage
Taco Bell
7,049
Units worldwide
- Founded
- 2016
- Investment
- $1.6M – $4.0M
- Food & Beverage
Burger King
6,993
Units worldwide
- Founded
- 1963
- Investment
- $247K – $4.7M