Watch CBS News

Carl's Jr. Moving HQ From SoCal To Nashville

ANAHEIM (CBSLA.com)  Carl's Jr. is packing its bags for Tennessee.

The hamburger chain's parent company, CKE Restaurants of Carpinteria, announced Tuesday it is moving corporate headquarters to Nashville, Tenn.

The company said it will consolidate its Carl's Jr. offices with those of its other restaurants, including St. Louis-based Hardees, in Nashville.

"It's too bad. It seems like another business cutting out of California," said Carl's Jr. customer Twyla Channel of Fullerton.

"Business will be business. It's a business decision to save money," said another customer.

CKE said in a statement it is making the move as it transitions many of its company-owned restaurants to a franchise model, which it says reduces its office space needs.

"Being highly franchised has also reduced our office space needs and, thus, made consolidating offices a more viable option," CKE said in a statement.

Carl's Jr. was founded in Anaheim in 1945, after founder Carl Karcher moved his hot dog business from Los Angeles with a $300 loan. A year later, he added hamburgers to the menu.

Carl's Jr. headquarters were in Anaheim until about 16 years ago, when they were moved to Carpinteria.

Of the company's roughly 75 employees in Carpinteria, many will receive offers to relocate to Nashville, a spokesperson said. The company also has an Anaheim office, which it plans to keep.

Employees at the Carl's Jr. location on Harbor Blvd. in Anaheim say the company's late founder used to come in almost every day to enjoy a meal.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.