What was the total number of Carls Jr. restaurants at the start of 2024?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Restaurant Type | Year | Restaurants at Start of the Year | Restaurants at End of the Year | Net Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franchised | 2023 | 1018 | 1020 | +2 |
| 2024 | 1020 | 1014 | -6 | |
| 2025 | 1014 | 982 | -32 | |
| Company- | 2023 | 48 | 49 | +1 |
| Operated | ||||
| 2024 | 49 | 49 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 49 | 50 | +1 | |
| Total Outlets | 2023 | 1066 | 1069 | +3 |
| 2024 | 1069 | 1063 | -6 | |
| 2025 | 1063 | 1032 | -31 |
Source: Item 20 — OUTLETS AND FRANCHISEE INFORMATION (FDD pages 68–75)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, at the start of 2024, there were a total of 1,069 restaurants. This number includes both franchised and company-operated locations. Specifically, there were 1,020 franchised restaurants and 49 company-operated restaurants at the beginning of 2024.
For a prospective franchisee, this indicates the existing scale and distribution of the Carls Jr. brand. It provides a sense of the established network they would be joining. The mix of franchised versus company-operated restaurants can also offer insights into the company's business model and strategic priorities.
It's worth noting the changes in restaurant numbers over the years. For example, the total number of restaurants decreased from 1,069 at the start of 2024 to 1,063 by the end of the year, representing a net change of -6. This could be due to closures, terminations, or other factors, and a franchisee should investigate the reasons behind these changes as part of their due diligence.
Understanding these trends in outlet numbers, along with the state-by-state breakdown, can help a potential franchisee assess the brand's performance and growth potential in different markets. Reviewing the reasons for restaurant closures and changes is a crucial part of evaluating the overall health and stability of the Carls Jr. franchise system.