News

Carl’s Jr. marks 70th anniversary, plans Indonesian growth

July 11, 2011

CKE Restaurants Inc.'s Carl's Jr. brand is commemorating its 70th anniversary this month with celebrations and online giveaways.

Carl's Jr. is rewarding customers through a variety of social media channels. Guests who sign up to receive email offers from Carl's Jr. by July 14 will receive an email with a printable coupon for a 70-cent Famous Star, redeemable one day only, July 17.

Fans can also take a nostalgic tour on Carl's Jr. social media sites. A 70th anniversary video can be viewed on the Carl's Jr. YouTube channel, while vintage photos and memorabilia will be featured on the brand's Facebook and Flickr pages. Fans are encouraged to post their photos, videos and fond memories of Carl's Jr., as well.

Followers on Twitter can win random giveaways including commemorative 70th anniversary T-shirts or free food items. Commemorative T-shirts, featuring the brand's iconic Happy Star mascot through the years, are also available on The Wheel of Awesome.

A 70th Anniversary party will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 15, on the corner of Florence and Central in Los Angeles, the site of Carl Karcher's first hot dog cart. The Carl's Jr. food truck, the Star Diner, will be on hand serving chili dogs, just as Karcher did on the same site 70 years ago.

An additional celebration will be held on July 17, at the site of Carl Karcher's star on the Anaheim/Orange County Walk of Stars from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Anaheim, Calif.

"Carl's Jr. has a rich history, loyal fans and an innovative spirit," said Andrew F. Puzder, CEO for CKE Restaurants. "We're proud to take a look back at our history and bring it to life in a modern way that gets fans involved in the celebration. We're asking fans to share their stories and photos showing their favorite Carl's Jr. memories."

The company began in Los Angeles when an Ohio farmer's son named Carl Karcher was delivering baked goods. Seeing how well business was doing at one of his stops – a hot dog cart at the corner of Florence and Central – Carl and his wife, Margaret, borrowed $311 on their Plymouth automobile and added $15 in savings to purchase the business. From their new cart, they sold hot dogs, chili dogs and tamales for a dime, and soda for a nickel.

On his first day of business, July 17, 1941, Carl N. Karcher took in $14.75. Last year, his namesake CKE Restaurants Inc. earned revenues of more than $1.3 billion.

Carl's Jr. plans Indonesian expansion

Carl's Jr. expects to have an expanded presence in Indonesia throughout the next six years. According to the Jakarta Post, the chain plans to open 25 new units in the country, focusing mostly on Jakarta, Bandung and Bali.

The company recently opened its fourth store in Indonesia. The first unit opened there in 2010.

Carl's Jr. Indonesia restaurants feature all-you-can-drink beverage bars and partial table service.