What items will the master distributor for Carls Jr. carry?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
roducts and packaging, cleaning supplies, and other materials that meet our standards and specifications as contained in the Operation Procedures Manual ("OPM"). A list of approved suppliers is available upon written request addressed to our Quality Assurance Department. Most food items and other goods that you are required to purchase will be purchased from a master distributor. The master distributor will carry items such as meats, cheese, grocery, bread products, paper and cleaning supplies. As of the date of this disclosure document, our master distributor is Distribution Market Advantage ("DMA"). We reserve the right to change the master distributors. Other master distributors may be approved from time to time.
Certain of CJR's products, including our "special sauce," are confidential secret recipes and are considered trade secrets.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 37–41)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase most food items and other goods from a master distributor. As of the date of the disclosure document, the master distributor is Distribution Market Advantage ("DMA"). However, Carls Jr. retains the right to change master distributors or approve additional ones in the future.
The master distributor carries a range of essential products necessary for the operation of a Carls Jr. restaurant. These include meats, cheese, grocery items, bread products, paper supplies, and cleaning supplies. This means franchisees will rely on the master distributor for the consistent supply of these key ingredients and materials, ensuring they meet Carls Jr.'s standards and specifications as outlined in the Operation Procedures Manual (OPM).
Carls Jr. also has specific requirements for certain products, particularly those involving secret recipes like their "special sauce." To maintain quality and consistency, franchisees must purchase these proprietary items directly from Carls Jr., its affiliates, or a source designated by them. For the fiscal year ended January 27, 2025, neither Carls Jr.'s affiliates nor Carls Jr. received any revenue from the sale of these products to franchisees.