A beloved fast-food restaurant in a Western state is closing its doors for good.
Carl's Jr., famous for its charbroiled burgers and fries, is closing its first location in Boise, Idaho.
Carl's Jr. Faces Another Boise Closure
The fast food company has not officially confirmed the closure of its restaurant at 226 South Broadway Ave, but its signage has been removed, as reported by the Idaho Statesman. This marks the second Carl's Jr. location to shut down in Boise within a year.
Despite the closures, fans of the chain can still enjoy their favorite meals at three other Boise venues, as well as additional outlets in nearby cities such as Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, and Caldwell.
Carl's Jr., established in 1941 in Anaheim, California, has grown significantly. Today, the company boasts over 1,000 outlets across the United States and operates in 28 countries, with more than 3,000 locations globally.
Carl's Jr. is easily recognizable by its bright yellow star sign, a symbol of the chain's presence. The fast-food restaurant is celebrated for its popular menu items, such as the Six Dollar Burger, Hand-Scooped Milkshakes, and Charbroiled Turkey Burgers.
These offerings have helped to cement Carl's Jr.'s reputation as a go-to spot for tasty, innovative fast food options.
The Evolution of Carl's Jr.: A Timeline of Growth
According to the Carl's Jr. website, the history of this well-known fast food chain begins in the 1940s when Carl Karcher and his wife Margaret used their entire savings to purchase a hot dog cart. By the mid-1950s, the Karchers had expanded to their first two Carl's Jr. restaurants in Anaheim, introducing the now iconic bright yellow star sign.
The 1960s were a period of rapid expansion, culminating in 24 Carl's Jr. locations and the formation of Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc. During this time, the company revamped its dining rooms and streamlined menus to better serve customers.
The 1970s saw further growth, with over 200 locations by 1977. Carl's Jr. pioneered the introduction of salad bars in quick-serve restaurants and expanded outside California for the first time, opening a restaurant in Las Vegas in 1979.
The 1980s marked the debut of the Western Bacon Cheeseburger and its expansion into Mexico, with the chain growing to over 534 outlets by the decade's end. The 1990s were highlighted by the acquisition of Hardee's, increasing the company's footprint by nearly 2,500 locations and cementing its place as a major player in the burger industry.
In the 2000s, Carl's Jr. continued to innovate with new products like the Six Dollar Burger and Hand-Scooped Milkshakes, as well as the industry's first Charcoal-Grilled Turkey Burgers. The 2010s were defined by further boundary-pushing, including the introduction of a plant-based burger and the first-ever CBD-infused burger available at a major fast-food chain.
Meanwhile, Several Boise restaurants have closed this year, including Bonefish Grill, which shut its doors on January 14 after 15 years. The closure, caused by increased rent and lease issues, has saddened many employees.
"We're all sad about it. I've been working here for 14 years," said Assistant Manager Ahmad Alharbyah to The Idaho Statesman. Despite the shutdown, the chain may return as it explores other Idaho locations.
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