Besides serving as Chief Financial Officer, what other responsibilities does Michael Lenihan have at Carls Jr.?

According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, Michael Lenihan holds the position of Chief Financial Officer. In addition to this role, he also oversees Carls Jr.'s and HR's domestic franchise development in the United States. This indicates that Lenihan's responsibilities extend beyond financial management to include strategic growth and expansion of the Carls Jr. brand through franchising within the U.S.

For a prospective franchisee, this means that Michael Lenihan is a key figure in the franchise development process. His oversight of domestic franchise development suggests he is involved in setting franchise strategy, approving new franchise locations, and potentially in establishing the financial terms and conditions of franchise agreements. Franchisees might interact with him or his team during the application, approval, or development phases of their Carls Jr. franchise.

This dual role highlights the importance of franchise development to the overall financial health and growth strategy of Carls Jr. Having the CFO directly involved in franchise development ensures that financial considerations are central to expansion decisions. This structure may provide franchisees with confidence that growth is being managed responsibly and sustainably.

It is common in franchise organizations for senior executives to have multiple responsibilities, especially in smaller or mid-sized companies. Combining the CFO role with franchise development can streamline decision-making and ensure alignment between financial planning and growth initiatives. However, prospective franchisees may want to inquire about the resources and support available to ensure that franchise development receives adequate attention alongside the CFO's other duties.