Close

Choose your country

Or view all businesses for sale

Worldwide

Sell Your Business

Advertisement

11-unit Carl’s Jr. Franchise Portfolio | $858K+ EBITDA For Sale

California - North, US
Asking Price:
$4,200,000 Furniture / Fixtures included
Sales Revenue:
$14,967,106
Cash Flow:
Not applicable

Opportunity to acquire an 11 unit Carl’s Jr. franchise portfolio with strong historical performance, demonstrated growth, and significant scalability potential. This established platform generated $15M in revenue and $858K in adjusted EBITDA (FY2026), reflecting a 5.0× valuation, well within market transaction ranges for QSR franchise portfolios.

The portfolio has experienced consistent top-line growth, increasing from $11.8M in FY2024 to $15.0M in FY2026 (12.6% CAGR), with same-store sales outperforming system averages. Operational enhancements, including extended hours across all locations, have already been implemented and continue to drive revenue gains.

Recent capital improvements further position the portfolio for continued upside. Three locations underwent remodels in FY2024, including a high-performing unit now generating $2.1M in revenue with a 17% EBITDA margin.

The business operates under the well-established Carl’s Jr. brand, part of CKE Restaurants, which includes over 3,800 locations globally and provides strong franchisor support and brand recognition. The portfolio also includes territorial rights, offering a clear path for expansion through additional unit acquisitions.

Investment Highlights:

  • $4.2M asking price | 5.0× EBITDA
  • $15M revenue (FY2026) | Strong historical growth
  • 11 operating units with proven performance
  • Recent remodels driving margin expansion
  • Minimal near-term CapEx requirements
  • Expansion potential within existing territory
  • Inventory, cash on hand and transfer fees not included

Franchisor approval required - 20% down payment toward purchase price required, minimum 3 years operation or ownership restaurant experience, must currently live in the region, have $1M in net worth, and $300K in liquidity.

This is a turnkey, scalable platform in a nationally recognized brand, offering immediate cash flow with long-term upside.

Property Information

Premises Details:

Portfolio of 11 established Carl's Jr. franchise restaurants located throughout California in high-traffic retail corridors and freeway-adjacent trade areas. Each unit features a fully-equipped commercial kitchen built to brand standards: charbroilers, fryers, prep tables, walk-in coolers and freezers, ice machines, and stainless steel work surfaces. All locations include drive-thru lanes with menu boards, order confirmation systems, and modern POS/back-office technology. Dining rooms range from approximately 1,800–3,200 sq ft with seating for 40–80 guests, branded interior packages, restrooms, and ADA access. Sites offer dedicated parking, illuminated pylon and building signage, and landscaped lots. Several restaurants have been remodeled within the last 5–7 years with refreshed FF&E, HVAC, and digital menu boards. Portfolio includes a mix of fee-simple real estate and long-term ground/building leases. All smallwares, inventory, and operating equipment convey at closing.

Business Operation

Expansion Potential:

Significant upside exists for an operator focused on driving top-line revenue and bottom-line margin across the portfolio. Near-term growth levers include expanded third-party delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub), enhanced participation in the My Rewards loyalty program, targeted local store marketing, late-night daypart optimization, and catering/large-order channels. Operational improvements such as labor scheduling refinement, food cost management, and waste reduction can meaningfully expand store-level EBITDA. Several locations have additional capacity for extended hours, mobile-order pickup lanes, and digital menu board upgrades to lift average ticket. Longer-term, qualified buyers may pursue additional Carl's Jr. development rights in California through CKE Restaurants, leveraging this portfolio as an established platform for further unit growth, refranchising opportunities, or co-branding with sister concept Hardee's where territory permits.

Competition / Market:

California remains one of the largest and most resilient QSR markets in the United States, with strong daily traffic counts, dense population centers, & consistent consumer demand for established national brands. Carl's Jr. is a flagship CKE Restaurants brand with deep roots in California, offering immediate name recognition, loyal repeat customers, and a differentiated charbroiled-burger positioning that separates it from fryer-based competitors. The portfolio's 11 locations are situated in diverse trade areas spanning urban, suburban, and freeway-adjacent corridors, reducing single-market concentration risk. Primary competition includes McDonald's, Burger King, Jack in the Box, Wendy's, In-N-Out, and fast-casual concepts; however, Carl's Jr.'s premium menu, late-night daypart strength, drive-thru efficiency, and national marketing support provide durable competitive advantages. Ongoing brand investment in digital ordering, loyalty, and delivery strengthens long-term market position.

Reasons for selling:

Portfolio management

Years established:
1995

Franchise Information

Franchise opportunity:

Franchise Resale

Other Information

Support & training:

Buyer will receive a comprehensive transition and training program designed to ensure operational continuity across all 11 California locations. Seller will provide a structured handover period of up to 4 weeks post-closing, including on-site shadowing at multiple stores, introductions to district managers, key crew leaders, vendors, and landlords. Carl's Jr. franchisor (CKE Restaurants) requires all new franchisees to complete its formal certification program, which covers operations, food safety, brand standards, marketing, and back-office systems; seller will assist buyer in coordinating enrollment and scheduling. Existing experienced general managers, shift leaders, and crew are expected to remain in place, providing continuity of day-to-day operations. Established relationships with approved suppliers, distributors, and local maintenance vendors will transfer at closing. Seller is open to a longer consulting arrangement or extended advisory role if mutually agreed upon.