Last checked Sep 19, 2026
Carl's Jr. (brand operated by CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.)carlsjr.comCarl's Jr. (brand operated by CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.) is currently listed as private-equity-owned.
Ownership & Acquisition History
Yes—Carl’s Jr. is controlled by private equity because its parent (CKE Restaurants) is owned by an entity formed by Roark Capital, and Roark acquired a majority stake in CKE (closing in December 2013).
Notes
- Roark Capital announced (and stated it closed) the acquisition of a majority stake in CKE Inc. on December 26, 2013, from funds managed by Apollo Global Management.
- A 2025 Hardee’s FDD states that CKE Holdings LP—formed by Roark and certain members of CKE senior management/board in December 2013—is CKE’s sole stockholder as of January 31, 2024 (and 2023), supporting current control by Roark’s ownership vehicle.
- Carl’s Jr. corporate materials state the brand was founded in 1941, and describe the founders’ original hot dog cart in Los Angeles.
- Founding history is sometimes described as: 1941 hot dog cart in Los Angeles; first Carl’s Jr. restaurants opened in 1956 (Anaheim/Brea). This response uses the company’s stated founding year (1941).
Sources
- Roark Capital Group Closes Acquisition of CKE Restaurants, Marks 17th Restaurant Investment (press release PDF)
Roark Capital Group - Confirms Roark (a private equity firm) acquired a majority stake in CKE; closing date Dec 26, 2013; seller was Apollo-managed funds.
- Hardee’s Restaurants LLC – Franchise Disclosure Document (2025) (PDF)
Hardee’s Restaurants LLC / CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. - States CKE Holdings LP (formed by Roark in Dec 2013 with certain management/board members) is CKE’s sole stockholder as of Jan 31, 2024 and 2023 (evidence of current controlling ownership).
- Law360: Roark Capital Nabs Majority Stake (PDF)
Law360 (via Morgan Lewis-hosted PDF) - Notes CKE was taken private by an Apollo affiliate in a deal that closed in July 2010 (used for the 'first became PE-owned' date).
- Carl's Jr. — About Us
Carl's Jr. - Provides the company-stated founding year (founded in 1941) and brand history.
- Carl's Jr. — Fact Sheet
Carl's Jr. - Describes the 1941 origin (hot dog cart in Los Angeles) and founders’ early history.
- File:Carl's Jr logo.svg
Wikimedia Commons - Source for a direct, current Carl’s Jr. logo asset URL.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl%27s_Jr.
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://www.carlsjr.as/history/
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/roark-capital-group-closes-acquisition-of-cke-restaurants-marks-17th-restaurant-investment-237300851.html
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://legalclarity.org/who-owns-cke-restaurants-roark-capital-group/
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Karcher
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-karcher12jan12-story.html
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
Ownership FAQ
Is Carl's Jr. (brand operated by CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.) owned by private equity?
Yes. Carl's Jr. (brand operated by CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.) is currently listed as private-equity-owned by Roark Capital Group.
Who owns Carl's Jr. (brand operated by CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.)?
CKE Holdings LP (formed by Roark Capital Management, LLC and certain members of CKE senior management/board); Roark Capital Group is the controlling private equity sponsor.
When was Carl's Jr. (brand operated by CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.) last checked?
This page was last checked on Sep 19, 2026.