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Company Directory - Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC

Company Details - Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC

Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC Logo

Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC

Website

Carl's Jr. is a fast food restaurant chain known for its charbroiled burgers and diverse menu offerings. The company operates a mix of corporate and franchised locations and is recognized for its bold advertising campaigns and strong brand presence in the fast-food industry.

CCI Score

CCI Score: Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC

-35.97

0.02%

Latest Event

Carl's Jr. Linked to Alleged Political Contributions Supporting Trump

A recent Snopes investigation evaluated a controversial list that included Carl's Jr.—part of Roark Capital—for alleged indirect support of Trump and his Project 2025 agenda. Although the list was ultimately found to be inaccurate and misleading, the association raises questions regarding the political influence exerted by individuals connected to the brand.

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TOADIE

Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC is currently rated as a Toadie.

-30 to -44 CCI Score
Companies scoring in this range actively seek to please authoritarian regimes. They offer proactive support and assistance in exchange for preferential treatment, compromising ethical standards for business gains and political favor.

Latest Events

  • Carl's Jr. Linked to Alleged Political Contributions Supporting Trump Logo
    MAR
    03
    2025

    A recent Snopes investigation evaluated a controversial list that included Carl's Jr.—part of Roark Capital—for alleged indirect support of Trump and his Project 2025 agenda. Although the list was ultimately found to be inaccurate and misleading, the association raises questions regarding the political influence exerted by individuals connected to the brand.

  • -40

    Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

    March 18

    The article highlights that individuals affiliated with Carl's Jr., through its ownership by Roark Capital, have been implicated in financial support of Republican causes, particularly those linked to Trump and the Project 2025 initiative. Although corporate law mandates that companies cannot donate directly to political campaigns, the indirect influence via employees and PACs raises concerns about political accountability and complicity in supporting authoritarian policies.

    Breaking down list alleging companies like McDonald's and Walmart donated to Trump

  • Former CEO Andrew Puzder's Political Appointment Raises Corporate Concerns Logo
    JAN
    23
    2025

    Former fast-food chain executive Andrew Puzder, once at the helm of Carl's Jr.-affiliated CKE Restaurants, has been nominated by President Trump for EU ambassador. This appointment highlights troubling executive political engagement and raises questions about the implicit endorsement of authoritarian policies by corporate leadership connected to the brand.

  • -50

    Executive Political Engagement

    March 18

    The nomination of former CEO Andrew Puzder for EU ambassador by an administration known for its authoritarian leanings underscores a worrisome degree of executive political engagement. Given Puzder's leadership role at fast-food chains including Carl's Jr., this event suggests that the company's legacy is now intertwined with political actions that support far-right policies, thereby raising red flags from an anti-fascist perspective.

    Trump picks former fast-food chain CEO Andrew Puzder for EU ambassador

  • Labor Violations at Carl's Jr. Highlight Poor Worker Rights Logo
    JAN
    01
    2025

    Workers at Carl's Jr., along with Hardee's employees, have filed 33 new labor law violation charges citing sexual harassment, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions. This event raises significant concerns regarding the company's labor relations and human rights practices.

  • -80

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 18

    Carl's Jr. has been implicated in significant labor law violations including charges of sexual harassment, wage theft, and unsafe work conditions. These serious allegations point to neglectful labor practices and a failure to protect workers' rights. Such practices are intertwined with larger issues of economic exploitation and corporate complicity in oppressive labor systems, thereby contributing to the rise of authoritarian dynamics by undermining worker solidarity and fair labor standards.

    Hardee's, Carl's Jr. Workers File 33 More Labor Violations Against Andy Puzder's Company

  • LA Seeks $1.45M in Fines for Alleged Minimum Wage Violations at Carl's Jr. Logo
    JUN
    26
    2017

    Los Angeles officials allege that Carl's Jr. underpaid 37 workers at several Los Angeles locations by failing to meet the mandated minimum wage, demanding $1.45 million in penalties as a result of systemic labor rights violations.

  • -70

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 19

    Carl's Jr. is accused of not paying the legal minimum wage to 37 workers, reflecting a serious lapse in respecting labor rights and fair employment practices. This incident not only harms the affected employees and their families but also highlights a broader neglect for ethical labor standards, feeding into patterns of corporate behavior that undermine workers' welfare.

    Los Angeles seeks $1.45 million from Carl’s Jr. for alleged minimum-wage violations

  • CKE Restaurants' Political Contributions and Labor Practices Raise Concerns Logo
    FEB
    09
    2017

    The article reveals that CKE Restaurants, the parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, has engaged in significant political contributions and lobbying to support candidates aligned with authoritarian agendas, while also facing criticism for poor labor practices and wage violations at its franchises.

  • -60

    Public and Political Behavior

    March 19

    CKE Restaurants, which operates Carl's Jr., has been heavily involved in political contributions and lobbying, particularly supporting candidates and policies aligned with authoritarian interests. The company’s financial support and political engagement, as highlighted in the article, point to a deliberate use of corporate influence to shape policy in favor of conservative and authoritarian agendas.

    Trump’s Pick for Labor Secretary a Major Political Donor, Finds Support in Restaurant Industry

  • -50

    Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

    March 19

    The article also highlights longstanding concerns regarding labor practices within CKE Restaurants' franchises, including accusations of wage violations and poor working conditions. Such practices undermine the rights and welfare of workers, reflecting negatively on the company’s ethical responsibilities.

    Trump’s Pick for Labor Secretary a Major Political Donor, Finds Support in Restaurant Industry

  • -30

    Economic and Structural Influence

    March 19

    By channeling significant funds into political lobbying and contributions, CKE Restaurants influences regulatory and policy environments, potentially facilitating regulatory capture that favors authoritarian-friendly practices. This economic collaboration with political elites raises concerns about the company’s role in undermining democratic accountability.

    Trump’s Pick for Labor Secretary a Major Political Donor, Finds Support in Restaurant Industry

  • Political Contributions and Labor Rights Controversies at Carl's Jr. Logo
    FEB
    09
    2017

    The article highlights significant political donations and lobbying efforts by CKE Restaurants’ CEO Andrew Puzder – parent company of Carl's Jr. – alongside repeated allegations of labor law violations and poor working conditions at its franchises. These actions are seen as bolstering authoritarian political influence and undermining worker rights.

  • -70

    Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

    March 18

    CKE Restaurants, which owns Carl's Jr., significantly increased its political donations and lobbying efforts under CEO Andrew Puzder. Their extensive financial support for pro-Republican candidates has been linked to strengthening authoritarian political forces, aligning with policies that may support fascist ideologies.

    Trump’s Pick for Labor Secretary a Major Political Donor, Finds Support in Restaurant Industry

  • -60

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 18

    Reports of repeated allegations against several Carl's Jr. franchises under CKE Restaurants indicate violations of wage and labor laws, along with poor working conditions. Such practices undermine fair labor rights and contribute to broader systemic inequalities that can fortify authoritarian power structures.

    Trump’s Pick for Labor Secretary a Major Political Donor, Finds Support in Restaurant Industry

  • Wage Suppression Allegations at Carl's Jr. Logo
    FEB
    08
    2017

    A 2017 lawsuit revealed that Carl's Jr. and its franchisor allegedly conspired to suppress wages and limit job mobility for restaurant managers, highlighting serious labor rights issues and exploitative practices in the fast food industry.

  • -80

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 19

    The lawsuit and related press documents allege that Carl's Jr., in coordination with its franchisor, engaged in a conspiracy to suppress wages and restrict job mobility for restaurant-based managers. Such practices undermine labor rights and fair compensation, reflecting broader unethical business practices that contribute indirectly to economic structures favoring authoritarian and exploitative power dynamics.

    Fighting Wage Suppression in the Fast Food Industry: Bautista et al v. Carl Karcher Enterprises LLC

  • Class Action Lawsuit Highlights Labor Exploitation and Political Controversy at Carl's Jr. Parent Logo
    FEB
    08
    2017

    A class-action lawsuit filed in February 2017 alleges that Carl Karcher Enterprises LLC, the parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, colluded with franchisees to suppress wages through restrictive no‐hire agreements. The case also draws attention to CEO Andy Puzder’s politically charged stances, which some argue influence labor policies and worker rights.

  • -50

    Executive Political Engagement

    March 19

    CEO Andy Puzder’s public endorsement of free-market capitalism and his controversial role in political processes, such as his nomination for Labor Secretary, have raised concerns over the influence of corporate leadership on political policies that affect labor rights. His involvement is seen as part of a broader pattern of using political influence to support practices that may undermine equitable labor standards.

    Suit against Carl’s Jr. parent company alleges unfair business practice to suppress wages

  • -80

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 19

    The lawsuit alleges that Carl Karcher Enterprises LLC and its franchisees implemented no-hire agreements to deliberately suppress wages and restrict worker mobility. Such practices not only diminish fair labor standards but also reflect a broader pattern of disregarding workers' rights in favor of cost-saving measures.

    Suit against Carl’s Jr. parent company alleges unfair business practice to suppress wages

  • Fast-Food Chain Labor and Political Practices Under Scrutiny Logo
    JAN
    23
    2017

    The article from the Los Angeles Times highlights concerns over labor practices and political engagement linked to Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, under the leadership of Andrew Puzder. The practices include low wages, indirect cost-shifting to taxpayers, and political stances that oppose reforms aimed at improving working conditions, which together contribute to authoritarian-aligned corporate behavior.

  • -70

    Public and Political Behavior

    March 18

    The article details executive-level political engagement by highlighting Andrew Puzder’s political ambitions and opposition to reforms that would improve labor rights. His actions are presented as aligning with authoritarian practices by resisting regulatory efforts to secure better working conditions for low-wage workers.

    Column: How Andy Puzder’s fast-food industry sticks taxpayers with the cost of supporting its workers

  • -80

    Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

    March 18

    The article underscores the poor labor practices within the fast-food industry, including the use of independent franchise models that allow Carl's Jr. to avoid full employment responsibilities. By underpaying workers and offloading social costs onto taxpayers, the company’s practices are ethically questionable and contribute to systemic exploitation.

    Column: How Andy Puzder’s fast-food industry sticks taxpayers with the cost of supporting its workers

  • Carl's Jr. Workers Report Labor Abuse Amid Puzder Nomination Logo
    JAN
    13
    2017

    Testimony from fast-food workers reveals systemic mistreatment including wage theft, inadequate breaks, and dangerous working conditions at Carl's Jr. Restaurants, raising concerns about labor rights and ethical management in the face of potential political appointments that may worsen worker exploitation.

  • -80

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 19

    The article documents extensive labor abuses at Carl’s Jr., including wage theft, insufficient pay, lack of basic benefits, and even physical intimidation such as a reported armed incident. These practices reflect a blatant disregard for worker rights and ethical labor standards. In the context of rising authoritarianism, such exploitation serves to undermine the protections that workers need, thereby indirectly perpetuating conditions that enable authoritarian policies.

    Carl's Jr. Workers Highlight Mistreatment at Puzder's Restaurants

  • Carl's Jr. Workers Report Labor Violations and Mistreatment Logo
    JAN
    10
    2017

    Testimonies from Carl's Jr. employees describe systemic labor rights abuses, including wage theft, denied overtime, and unsafe working conditions. These practices highlight a corporate prioritization of profit over worker welfare, aligning with broader concerns about exploitative business practices that undermine labor rights.

  • -80

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 18

    Workers at Carl's Jr. have reported long-standing labor violations including inadequate pay, denial of legally mandated breaks, wage theft, and even physical threats at the workplace. Such practices indicate a systemic disregard for labor rights and fair treatment, reflecting an unethical business approach that undermines worker welfare and contributes indirectly to systems that prioritize profit over the rights of vulnerable labor groups.

    Carl's Jr. Workers Highlight Mistreatment at Puzder's Restaurants

  • Carl's Jr., Hardee's Workers Blast Labor Nominee at Senate Forum Logo
    JAN
    10
    2017

    Workers at Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, part of the CKE Restaurants chain, detailed serious labor issues including wage theft, forced overtime, and hazardous working conditions during a Senate forum. These revelations highlight ongoing labor rights abuses that contribute to corporate complicity in undermining worker protections and supporting a broader agenda that could favor authoritarian practices.

  • -80

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    January 10

    The CNN article provides multiple worker testimonies alleging wage theft, forced work without overtime pay, and overall abusive labor practices at Carl's Jr. These reports underscore a disregard for basic labor rights and ethical responsibility, aligning the company's practices with policies that erode worker protections and fuel broader oppressive practices. Such behavior is in direct conflict with anti-fascist principles that champion worker rights and fair labor practices.

    CJ and Hardee's employees blast Labor nominee at Senate ...

  • Puzder's Nomination and Implications on Labor Practices Logo
    DEC
    08
    2016

    The nomination of fast-food CEO Andrew Puzder for Labor Secretary raises concerns about his commitment to worker rights and his advocacy for deregulation, reflecting a troubling alignment with authoritarian policies that undermine labor protections. This event highlights potential issues within Carl's Jr.'s broader business practices since it is part of the CKE Restaurants portfolio.

  • -70

    Public and Political Behavior

    March 19

    Andrew Puzder’s active political engagement—including his nomination as Labor Secretary and prior political contributions—demonstrates a clear endorsement of policies that favor deregulation and weaker labor protections. This involvement, seen through a left-leaning lens, suggests an alignment with authoritarian approaches that prioritize corporate interests over worker rights.

    Donald Trump Chooses Fast-Food CEO To Be His Labor Secretary

  • -80

    Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

    March 19

    Under Puzder’s leadership, fast-food chains such as Carl's Jr. have faced frequent investigations concerning minimum wage and overtime violations. His open criticism of labor regulations and the broader impact on workers’ rights suggest a pattern of business practices that neglect ethical labor standards, reinforcing a corporate culture detrimental to working people.

    Donald Trump Chooses Fast-Food CEO To Be His Labor Secretary

  • Carl's Jr. CEO Andy Puzder Supports Trump Logo
    NOV
    07
    2016

    CEO Andy Puzder of CKE Restaurants, the parent company of Carl's Jr., has actively endorsed Donald Trump by donating significant sums to his campaign and serving as an economic advisor, aligning the company's leadership with authoritarian political agendas.

  • -70

    Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

    March 18

    Andy Puzder and CKE Restaurants have backed Trump with substantial financial contributions, which supports an authoritarian agenda by bolstering the political campaign of a controversial and authoritarian figure. This donation, tied to his established political leanings, raises serious concerns over the company's political contributions.

    Carl's Jr. CEO Andy Puzder Supports Trump

  • -80

    Executive Political Engagement

    March 18

    CEO Andy Puzder's public endorsement of Trump, including framing him as a 'pragmatic centrist' and the 'ultimate unifier,' and his role as a political advisor, directly contribute to promoting an authoritarian political narrative, thereby amplifying corporate influence in favor of authoritarian governance.

    Carl's Jr. CEO Andy Puzder Supports Trump

  • Carl's Jr. CEO Andy Puzder Supports Trump Logo
    NOV
    07
    2016

    Andy Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants (parent of Carl's Jr.), publicly endorsed Donald Trump and donated thousands to his campaign, reflecting a corporate alignment with rising authoritarian and far‐right policies.

  • -50

    Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

    March 19

    The article details that Andy Puzder contributed thousands to Trump’s campaign, indicating significant political contributions that financially support an emerging authoritarian agenda. Such financial backing lends credibility and power to policies that may subvert democratic norms.

    Carl's Jr. CEO Andy Puzder Supports Trump

  • -70

    Executive Political Engagement

    March 19

    Beyond his financial contributions, Andy Puzder has taken an active role in political discourse by publishing an opinion piece endorsing Trump and offering economic advice, which demonstrates executive political engagement that supports an authoritarian agenda.

    Carl's Jr. CEO Andy Puzder Supports Trump

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