Carl's Jr. logo

Carl's Jr.Franchise Cost & FDD Overview

Food & Beverage franchise.

Latest FDD: 2025·Data last updated April 2026

Investment

$1.5M - $3.2M

Franchise Fee

$25K

Royalty

4%

+ 6% marketing

Total Units

1,063

Food & Beverage

23 changes in the 2025 FDD

9 Major5 Minor9 Cosmetic

Unlock the full comparison to see exactly which fees, investment, and unit numbers moved between 2024 and 2025.

Year-over-Year FDD Comparisons

See how Carl's Jr.'s FDD has changed over time

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Carl's Jr. franchise cost?+
The estimated initial investment for a Carl's Jr. franchise ranges from $1.5M - $3.2M. This includes the franchise fee, build-out, equipment, and initial working capital as disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
What is the Carl's Jr. franchise fee?+
The initial franchise fee for Carl's Jr. is $25K. This is a one-time payment to the franchisor for the right to operate under the brand.
What are Carl's Jr.'s ongoing fees?+
Carl's Jr. franchisees pay a 4% royalty fee on gross sales and a 6% marketing/advertising fee. These are ongoing fees paid regularly to the franchisor.
How many Carl's Jr. franchise locations are there?+
As of the latest FDD filing, Carl's Jr. has 1,063 total locations across the United States. This figure includes both franchised and company-owned units.
Where can I find Carl's Jr.'s full FDD?+
FDDs are available directly from the franchisor or through FDD filing services. FranchiseDiff shows extracted comparison data from publicly available FDDs — we do not distribute the documents themselves.

Ready to Take the Next Step on Carl's Jr.?

Now that you have the data, we can connect you with an independent franchise consultant who can answer your remaining questions — free, no obligation.

This information is extracted from publicly available Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs). FranchiseDiff does not provide legal, financial, or investment advice. Data may contain errors from automated extraction. Always review the official FDD and consult with a qualified franchise attorney before making any investment decision. All trademarks, logos, and brand names belong to their respective owners.