Various Franchisees

A collective term referring to the independent operators who run Carl’s Jr. locations under franchise agreements. Each franchisee operates its own business while adhering to the standards and guidelines set by the Carl’s Jr. brand.

CCI Score

-10.71

0.01% April 18

Latest Event

Debunking Allegations of Carl's Jr. Franchisee Support for Authoritarian Campaigns

An analysis of claims linking Carl's Jr. franchisees to political contributions for Trump's Project 2025 reveals that these allegations are based on inaccurate data. Research from Snopes shows that supposed corporate donations were misrepresented, as contributions typically come from individuals associated with the company rather than from a unified corporate action.

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ENABLER

Various Franchisees is currently rated as an Enabler.

-10 to -19 CCI Score

Companies in this segment facilitate authoritarian practices while claiming neutrality. They provide resources or support that indirectly bolster oppressive regimes, thereby undermining democratic accountability without overtly endorsing the regime.

Latest Events

MAR

03

2025

Debunking Allegations of Carl's Jr. Franchisee Support for Authoritarian Campaigns
49.37

An analysis of claims linking Carl's Jr. franchisees to political contributions for Trump's Project 2025 reveals that these allegations are based on inaccurate data. Research from Snopes shows that supposed corporate donations were misrepresented, as contributions typically come from individuals associated with the company rather than from a unified corporate action.
+50

Public and Political Behavior

March 19

The false allegations implicating Carl's Jr. franchisees in supporting authoritarian agendas through political contributions have been debunked. Evidence indicates that while individuals associated with the franchise system may donate to various political causes, there is no systematic corporate engagement in funding authoritarian policies. This finding supports a positive assessment of the company's public and political behavior.

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

15

2017

Alleged Labor Exploitation at Franchisees
-35.32

Workers allege significant labor violations at Carl’s Jr. franchise locations, including unpaid overtime, withheld break pay, and discriminatory practices. These practices contribute to a corporate culture that undercuts labor rights and fuels authoritarian tendencies by stifling worker resistance and undermining fair labor standards.
-80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 19

The article presents multiple allegations of labor abuses at CKE franchise locations, including unpaid overtime, unethical wage practices via fee-charged debit cards, and suppression of worker organizing efforts. These issues indicate severe shortcomings in the company’s labor relations and human rights practices, which contribute negatively to broader societal power dynamics and can empower authoritarian practices by weakening worker defenses against exploitative policies.

Workers Allege Violations at Franchises of the Company Run by Donald Trump’s Labor Nominee
FEB

08

2017

Lawsuit Alleges Exploitative Labor Practices and Questionable Executive Views at Carl’s Jr. Franchisees
-21.63

A class-action lawsuit filed in Los Angeles alleges that Carl Karcher Enterprises LLC and its franchisees colluded to suppress wages using restrictive no-hire agreements, while the CEO’s public comments on free-market capitalism have raised concerns over his alignment with policies that undermine worker rights.
-40

Executive Political Engagement

March 19

The CEO’s public endorsement of free-market principles has been criticized for undermining labor rights. His statements, used to justify restrictive employment practices, align with authoritarian economic views that diminish worker power and contribute to an environment encouraging corporate interference in labor issues.

Suit against Carl’s Jr. parent company alleges unfair business practice to suppress wages
-60

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 19

The class-action lawsuit accuses the company and its franchisees of colluding through no-hire agreements to suppress wages, which is an egregious violation of labor rights. This practice restricts workers’ ability to seek better opportunities and undermines fair labor practices, contributing to a broader pattern of corporate exploitation.

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

08

2017

Suit Alleging Wage Suppression at Carl's Jr. Franchisees
-35.25

A class-action lawsuit filed in 2017 alleges that Carl Karcher Enterprises LLC and its franchisees enforced no-hire agreements to suppress wages by preventing management workers from transferring between restaurants, undermining fair labor practices.
-80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 19

The lawsuit details allegations that franchisees, under the guidance of Carl Karcher Enterprises LLC, enforced policies that restricted worker mobility and suppressed wages. This exploitation of labor rights is indicative of unethical business practices that undermine worker empowerment and fair competition, aligning with broader authoritarian and exploitative tendencies.

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