If you’re a fan of fast food, you’ve probably heard about Carl Karcher and Wilber Hardee. The two chains are renowned for their burgers, fries and shakes. They’re also two of the most popular restaurants in the country.
Until 1997, however, the brands were completely separate companies. They were based on different coasts and had vastly different origin stories.
Are Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr the Same?
Before they were merged, CKE Restaurants (the parent company behind both chains) was in search of ways to grow their businesses eastward hardee’s breakfast hours. They wanted to find a way to compete against the likes of McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s.
With that in mind, it made sense for CKE to combine the two chains. Then, they could reach more people and build a bigger business.
But the decision to merge the two restaurants wasn’t without a few setbacks.
While Hardee’s has grown to nearly 1,900 locations, they still primarily operate in the South and Midwest.
Carl’s Jr, meanwhile, operates primarily in the West and Southwest.
As you might expect, the burger joint has a slightly different menu from its southern sibling. They offer a larger selection of charbroiled burgers, fried chicken tenders and biscuit sandwiches.
Both chains have a reputation for innovation in the fast food industry. They’re known for introducing items such as a $6 burger, hand-scooped milkshakes and plant-based burgers in the 2000s.
And while the burgers are similar between the two, their advertising campaigns are very distinct. For instance, Hardee’s uses a small town theme and music by Big Wet, while Carl’s Jr promotes “Big Taste You Can Feel” with Matthew McConaughey as the voice over.