For any food and beverage (F&B) business or savvy investor, understanding market trends and geographical distribution is crucial when making strategic decisions. Knowing where a brand like Carls Jr, a prominent name in the American fast-food industry, fits into this landscape can unlock numerous opportunities for growth and expansion.

“Carls Jr, with its unique blend of quality ingredients and innovative menu offerings, doesn't just serve food – it delivers experiences across the United States.”

In this article, we'll delve deep into the data insights of Carls Jr restaurants, exploring their presence, impact, and future potential. Whether you're curious about which states hold the most locations, or regions thirsty for expansion, we've got the data and insights you need to support informed decision-making.

How many Carls Jr restaurants are there in the United States?

With a substantial total of 1,028 Carl's Jr. locations scattered across the United States, it's clear that this iconic fast-food chain has firmly established itself in the American market. This expansive presence offers an amazing opportunity for both F&B businesses and investors. The popularity and distribution of locations, particularly in key areas, reflect consumer demand and potential market growth. Understanding how Carl's Jr. has strategically positioned itself can provide valuable insights into successful market penetration and brand resonance with customers nationwide.

Top 10 States and Territories with the most Carls Jr restaurants

Examining the distribution of Carl's Jr restaurants reveals a strategic positioning primarily concentrated in the western United States. California leads significantly with 635 outlets, accounting for 62% of the total U.S. locations. This dominance is evident with one restaurant serving approximately 62,220 residents. These figures suggest a keen emphasis on market penetration within California, potentially due to an established brand loyalty and market demand.

In contrast, states like Texas, despite having a large population base of 29 million, house only 29 restaurants, indicating one of the highest population-to-restaurant ratios at nearly 1 million residents per outlet. This limitation could suggest an opportunity for expansion, as the market remains largely untapped compared to California.

Arizona and Oregon are notable markets as well, contributing 7% and 6% of the total U.S. Carl’s Jr locations respectively. With population-to-restaurant ratios relatively balanced at 98.36K and 72.72K, these states demonstrate solid market coverage.

On the population-to-restaurant scale, Washington, with over 7.6 million people and only 34 establishments, results in a more stretched service at approximately 223,970 residents per restaurant. This falls second to Texas, highlighting another potential area for growth.

Overall, while Carl's Jr has marked a stronghold in certain western states, the varying population dynamics across other states reveal ripe opportunities for future expansion, especially in regions with higher population densities and fewer locations.

States and Territories without any Carls Jr restaurants

Wondering why so many states and territories don't host a single Carls Jr restaurant? The absence of these eateries is not uncommon, especially in regions where local preferences lean toward other fast food options or where logistical challenges impact expansion. States like New York and Florida might prioritize other fast-food giants, while territories such as Guam and Puerto Rico might experience constraints due to geographic and supply chain factors. For investors and F&B stakeholders, understanding these gaps could highlight opportunities for market entry strategies tailored to regional preferences.

Cities with the most number of Carls Jr restaurants in the United States

Examining the distribution of Carl’s Jr restaurants across various cities reveals strategic positioning by the brand, emphasizing its stronghold in California. With Los Angeles boasting 19 locations, followed by San Diego and Fresno housing 17 and 16 restaurants respectively, it’s clear that Carl’s Jr has a focused presence in metropolitan areas of California. Las Vegas, Nevada, interestingly, tops the list with 21 locations, indicating a robust market in the entertainment hub.

The data showcases an intense concentration in California cities, highlighting opportunities for new investors to consider untapped markets or reinforce existing ones in other states. Notably, El Paso, Texas, and Colorado Springs, Colorado also feature prominently, each with 11 and 10 locations respectively, suggesting a significant market potential outside California.

It's evident that while Carl’s Jr has a wide-reaching footprint, with most cities hosting over ten locations, there are still opportunities for growth, especially in regions currently underrepresented in this data. This insight could be crucial for business strategies aimed at entering less saturated markets while capitalizing on Carl’s Jr’s existing brand presence.

Total Carls Jr Restaurants Impact on the U.S. Market

Carls Jr. has been a recognizable name in the fast food industry for many years, but what does its presence mean for the U.S. market as a whole? With over 1,028 locations nationwide, Carls Jr. not only holds a significant share in the fast food market but also contributes to the employment sector significantly.

Market Share and Economic Contribution

According to a recent report, Carls Jr. holds approximately 3% of the U.S. fast food market as of 2025. This places the chain alongside other heavy hitters like Wendy's and Burger King. Their expansive footprint, especially in California, provides not just quick bites, but thousands of jobs across their locations. The company's institutionalized practice of suggestive selling has proven to be an economic booster, driving sales even during the challenging pandemic years.

Employment and Community Engagement

Carls Jr. doesn't just serve food; it serves communities as well. With an estimated 20,000 employees nationwide, the chain provides opportunities for career growth and development. Restaurant locations also frequently partner with local events and sponsorships, reinforcing community engagement. This local involvement not only boosts their brand image but also deepens customer loyalty.

The insights from xMap provide critical information for both current and potential investors about how Carls Jr.'s continued expansion strategies and community efforts make a measurable impact in the U.S. market. With such a robust plan for growth and market penetration, Carls Jr.'s influence is expected to increase even further as it marches towards 2030.

Investor Insights: Carls Jr Restaurant's 2025 Vision

Carls Jr has ambitious plans to expand its footprint in the United States as well as globally. By 2025, the company aims to increase its restaurant count by 15%, targeting emerging markets and regions with fewer locations. This expansion is part of a larger strategic plan to capture a more significant market share in the fast-food industry.

In 2025, Carls Jr operates over 1,450 locations across the U.S., with expectations of reaching 1,667 by year's end. This marks a substantial increase from 1,200 locations in 2023, reflecting the brand's successful growth initiatives.  

Innovative Product Offerings

Innovation remains at the core of Carls Jr's operational strategy. Since its collaboration with Beyond Meat in 2019, the restaurant has continuously expanded its plant-based offerings. By 2025, Carls Jr plans to boost its plant-based menu items by 20%, catering to the growing demand for healthier and sustainable options.

40% of US consumers prefer having plant-based options at fast-food outlets. Carls Jr capitalizes on this trend by introducing diverse and innovative menu items, thus gaining a competitive advantage and increasing consumer loyalty.

Technology Integration and Customer Experience

Integrating technology into everyday operations has been pivotal for Carls Jr, enhancing both the consumer experience and operational efficiency. By 2025, all Carls Jr locations will adopt advanced technologies such as AI-driven drive-thrus and personalized ordering apps.

This move is supported by a strategic partnership intended to enhance Customer Experience (CX) through insights and cutting-edge technology. Carls Jr witnessed a 25% increase in order accuracy and a 30% reduction in wait times with these tech implementations.

Conclusion

By analyzing the distribution, economic impact, and future vision for Carls Jr restaurants in the United States, businesses can gain a comprehensive understanding of the brand's market position and growth potential. From identifying key states and cities to considering untapped territories, these insights provide foundational knowledge for strategic decision-making.

How xMap's Insights Help F&B Businesses and Investors

• Predictive Analytics: xMap AI leverages generative AI to predict upcoming trends, allowing businesses to stay ahead in the competitive fast-food domain.
• Customer Preference Modeling: By using insights from xMap AI, F&B businesses can tailor their menu and marketing strategies to align with customer preferences, ultimately boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Location Intelligence: The AI provides critical data on optimal restaurant locations, assisting investors in making informed decisions about expansion and resource allocation.
• Operational Efficiency: xMap AI analyzes large datasets to optimize supply chain and operational processes, reducing waste and increasing profitability.
• Risk Mitigation: Businesses can utilize xMap AI to assess risks and anticipate potential business challenges, allowing for proactive management and solution implementation.
• Sentiment Analysis: xMap AI examines online reviews and social media to understand brand sentiment, enabling businesses to react promptly to potential market issues or campaigns.
• Personalized Marketing: Through xMap AI's data analysis, businesses can create highly targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with their specific audience segments.