Although Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. share common ownership under CKE Restaurants, they have distinct histories, operational areas, and even some differences in menu items.
Carl’s Jr.
Contrary to popular belief, Carl’s Jr. originated humbly when its founder, Carl N. Karcher, operated a food cart selling hot dogs, chili dogs, and tamales in Los Angeles. In 1941, after making a mere $14.75 in sales, Carl realized he had found success.
He and his wife Margaret worked tirelessly, eventually expanding their business to four food carts in Southern California. In 1945, they opened their first drive-in eatery, named Carl’s Drive-In Barbeque, in Anaheim. Burgers were added to the menu in 1946, and it wasn’t until 1956 that they had a dedicated diner location.
Throughout the expansion of Carl’s Jr., Carl Karcher also experimented with other concepts, including Scot’s coffee shops and Carl’s Whistle Stop. All these ventures eventually merged into a single enterprise known as Carl Karcher Enterprises, later renamed CKE Restaurants.
Hardee’s
While Carl Karcher was building his business in Los Angeles, Wilber Hardee had already established himself as a fast-food pioneer in Greenville, North Carolina. In 1960, Wilber opened the first Hardee’s restaurant, where his unique recipes and cooking methods, particularly his charbroiled burgers, quickly gained popularity. Within five months, he opened his first franchise, and Hardee’s experienced rapid success.
Entrepreneurs Jim Gardner and Leonard Rawls recognized Hardee’s potential and formed a partnership with Wilber. Although they acquired parts of the company, the chain retained the name Hardee’s.
Over the following decade, Hardee’s expanded with the addition of numerous locations across the Midwest and South, reaching a total of 200 new establishments. The company eventually became known as Hardee’s Food Systems.
The Merger
In 1981, Hardee’s Food Systems underwent a change in ownership, first to Trans World Corp. and later to Imasco, a Canadian company. By the late 1990s, Hardee’s had become the fourth-largest fast-food chain in the USA, catching the attention of CKE Restaurants.
CKE acquired Hardee’s for a significant sum of $327 million, leading to a combined total of 3,000 Hardee’s locations and 700 Carl’s Jr. stores under the same ownership.
While the two fast-food chains shared a similar brand image and advertising until 2018, a new CEO initiated efforts to differentiate the restaurants slightly. However, both brands still offer scratch biscuits and Thickburgers on their menus, and both feature a star sign logo. These differentiating factors help maintain a loyal customer base for each brand.
Notable Distinctions Between Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr.
Trademark Dispute in Canada
Hardee’s faces a trademark dispute that prevents it from operating in Canada. The similarity of its name to the Canadian burger chain Harvey’s has impeded Hardee’s entry into the Canadian market. Conversely, CKE has been able to expand Carl’s Jr. in Canada, although its expansion efforts have faced challenges, with many locations closing.
Different-Colored Burritos
Both Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. serve burritos, but with a color distinction. Carl’s Jr. offers green burritos, while Hardee’s features red burritos. This distinction is not related to the burrito’s actual color but rather a trademark issue involving the name “Green Burrito.” The red burrito was introduced at Hardee’s since the majority of its restaurants are located in Southern and Midwest states associated with the color red.
Healthier Choice vs. Comfort Food
Carl’s Jr. caters to health-conscious consumers on the West Coast, offering a range of healthier food options such as charbroiled chicken salad, plain salad, fried zucchini, and lettuce-wrapped Thickburgers. In contrast, Hardee’s specializes in comfort food, serving calorie-laden items like decadent hand-scooped shakes, crispy curly fries, chicken tenders, jumbo chili dogs, nachos, and quesadillas in generous portions.
Locations
Hardee’s maintains a stronger presence in the eastern half of the United States, with locations in 31 states, while Carl’s Jr. is primarily located in just 14 states, including Alaska, Hawaii, and extending eastward to Texas. Wyoming and Oklahoma are the only states where both Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. have a presence, each recognizable by their iconic star logo.
The merger between Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. has resulted in a combined network of approximately 3,800 restaurants across 44 U.S. states and 43 other countries. While the menus of both chains have integrated to some extent, retaining signature items, each brand still retains its unique character and regional identity.
What to Order at Hardee’s
- The Original Thickburger: This iconic burger is a must-try at Hardee’s. It features a juicy charbroiled beef patty topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayonnaise, all served on a sesame seed bun. It’s a classic and satisfying choice.
- Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders: Hardee’s is known for its crispy and flavorful chicken tenders. These hand-breaded strips of tender chicken are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces. They are available in different portion sizes, making them suitable as a snack or a full meal.
- Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit (Breakfast item): Hardee’s breakfast menu is highly regarded, and this biscuit sandwich is a standout item. It features a fluffy biscuit filled with crispy bacon, a folded egg, and melted cheese. It’s a hearty and delicious way to start your day.
- Frisco Breakfast Sandwich: Another popular breakfast choice, the Frisco Breakfast Sandwich offers a unique twist. It consists of a fluffy folded egg, melted Swiss cheese, savory ham, and a signature Frisco sauce, all served on thick sourdough toast. It’s a flavor-packed combination that will leave you satisfied.
- Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes: To round off your meal at Hardee’s, indulge in one of their hand-scooped ice cream shakes. Available in various flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, these shakes are rich, creamy, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
What to Order at Carl’s Jr
- Famous Star with Cheese: The Famous Star is a classic and iconic burger at Carl’s Jr. It features a charbroiled beef patty topped with melted American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, sliced onions, pickles, mayonnaise, and ketchup, all served on a sesame seed bun. It’s a flavorful and satisfying choice.
- Western Bacon Cheeseburger: This burger has become a fan favorite at Carl’s Jr. It combines a charbroiled beef patty with crispy onion rings, tangy BBQ sauce, melted American cheese, and bacon, all served on a sesame seed bun. The combination of flavors creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders: Just like at Hardee’s, Carl’s Jr. offers delicious hand-breaded chicken tenders. These crispy and tender chicken strips are perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces. They are available in different portion sizes to suit your appetite.
- CrissCut Fries: Carl’s Jr. is known for its unique CrissCut fries. These thick-cut fries are seasoned and have a distinctive crisscross shape, providing a satisfying crunch and flavor. They make a great side to accompany your burger or chicken tenders.
- Oreo Ice Cream Sandwich: For dessert, indulge in an Oreo Ice Cream Sandwich. This sweet treat features creamy vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two Oreo cookies. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will satisfy your dessert cravings.
Comparing Hardee’s/Carls Jr Burgers with Other Fast Food Giants
Each fast food joint has its own share of strengths, and they have become popular for a handful of reasons. Let’s take a closer look:
McDonald’s
McDonald’s is famous for its classic burgers like the Big Mac and the Quarter Pounder. They have a consistent flavor profile and widespread recognition. The brand emphasizes on fast service and efficient operations, making it a popular choice for quick meals. McDonald’s also offers a wide range of burger options, including both beef and chicken varieties, as well as vegetarian options.
Burger King
Burger King distinguishes itself with its flame-grilled burgers, which have a smoky flavor. The Whopper is their flagship burger and is known for its size and toppings. This restaurant chain also allows customers to customize their burgers with a range of toppings and sauces to suit individual preferences.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s promotes the use of fresh, never-frozen beef in its burgers, giving them a distinct taste and texture. Their burgers are known for being juicy and flavorful. It is recognized for its bacon-centric burgers, such as the Baconator, which features multiple layers of bacon. Wendy’s also offers a variety of fresh salads alongside its burgers, appealing to health-conscious customers.
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger is known for its simple menu and emphasis on fresh ingredients. Their burgers are made to order using high-quality beef, resulting in a classic and flavorful experience. In-N-Out Burger also has a popular secret menu, offering additional customization options like animal-style burgers, which include grilled onions and special sauce.
Five Guys
Five Guys allows customers to fully customize their burgers with a wide array of toppings and condiments, ensuring a personalized experience. It prides itself on using fresh ingredients, including hand-formed beef patties and freshly cut potatoes for their fries. Most people enjoy dining at Five Guys because of the generous portion sizes, often serving double-patty burgers and providing complimentary peanuts as a snack.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack focuses on using premium ingredients, such as 100% all-natural Angus beef, resulting in a burger with excellent flavor and quality. The brand offers a range of unique burger creations, including specialty toppings, sauces, and combinations, appealing to those seeking a gourmet burger experience.