As of January 31, 2023, how many company-operated restaurants were included in the Carls system-wide restaurant portfolio?

According to Carls's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, as of January 31, 2023, the system-wide restaurant portfolio consisted of company-operated and franchised restaurants. However, the document does not specify the exact number of company-operated restaurants within the system-wide portfolio as of that date. The FDD does mention that during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, Carls closed all restaurants operated by their Shanghai business.

For a prospective franchisee, this lack of specific data means it is crucial to ask Carls directly for the number of company-operated restaurants as of January 31, 2023, to understand the company's operational footprint better. Understanding the ratio of company-operated versus franchised restaurants can provide insights into Carls's business strategy and commitment to the brand.

Additionally, it would be beneficial to inquire about the reasons for closing the Shanghai business and how this decision has impacted Carls's overall operations and financial performance. Understanding these factors can help a potential franchisee assess the stability and strategic direction of the Carls franchise system.