Carl's Jr. began in 1941 when a guynamed Carl Karcher borrowed 315 bucksto buy a hot dog cart.
The first Carl's Jr. opened inAnaheim 15 years later, and beforetoday there were up to 679restaurants in five states.
So now that they've boughtHardee's, will we notice a difference?
"You're going to notice adifference," says Art Padilla, a fast-food expert."For one, Carl's is at fast food'shigh end.
"Their prices are a little higher.they're going after the middle and upmarket."
Carl's trademark? Big, messychar-broiled burgers. Their slogan?If it's not all over the place, itshouldn't go in your face.
All which has made CKE one hotcompany in what is a very congestedmarket.
"Even though we have lots ofalternatives, in the fast-foodindustry, if you do what you do well,you're going to be rewarded."
And today's Carl's Junior wasrewarded with the fourth largesthamburger chain in America.
Carl's isn't just venturing into theeastern United States It is alsoheaded to the Far East. Over the next five years, it plansto open 130 restaurantsin the Orient.
Even with the buyout, the combined company will still be the fourthlargest fast-food chain, behind McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's.Hardee's was the fourth largest chain before the purchase by Carl's.
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