<P> Carl Karcher (1917--2008) and his wife Margaret (1915--2006) founded the predecessor of Carl's Jr. in 1941, starting as a hot - dog cart in Los Angeles . In 1945, the Karchers moved to Anaheim, California, and opened their first full - service restaurant, Carl's Drive - In Barbecue . As the restaurant became successful, Carl expanded his business by opening the first two Carl's Jr. restaurants in Anaheim and nearby Brea in 1956 . They were so named because they were smaller versions of Carl's original drive - in restaurant . That same year, the chain was officially renamed Carl's Jr. and the fast - food chain took off . </P> <P> In 2016, Entrepreneur listed Carl's Jr. as #54 on their Top Franchise 500 list, which ranks the overall financial strength, stability, and growth rate for the top 500 franchisees in any field across the United States . </P> <P> As of March 2016, CKE (the parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's) has a total of 3,664 franchised or company - operated restaurants in 44 states and 38 foreign countries and U.S. territories . </P> <P> In 1941, Carl Karcher and his wife, Margaret Karcher (née. Heinz), borrowed $311 on their Plymouth automobile and added $15 in savings to purchase a hot dog cart on the corner of Florence and Central in Los Angeles . From their newly purchased cart, they sold hot dogs, chili dogs, and tamales for a dime, and soda for a nickel . Within a few years, Carl and Margaret owned and operated four hot dog stands in Los Angeles . In 1945, the Karchers moved the short distance to Anaheim, California, and opened their first full - service restaurant, Carl's Drive - In Barbecue at 1108 N. Palm St. (now Harbor). A year later, hamburgers were added to the menu for the first time . </P>

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