Carl’s Jr. is celebrating its 85th anniversary with a promotion that rewards fans’ creativity. The restaurant chain has launched a contest where the winner will receive $85,000 for creating a video inspired by the brand. Entries are now open! Here’s how you can take part.
How Can I Win $85,000 From Carl’s Jr.?
The contest runs from July 20 through August 7, 2026. During that time, participants must create an original video showcasing their own version of a Carl’s Jr. commercial in a creative style that captures the brand’s bold personality.
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To enter, simply follow these steps:
- • Record an original video that is 30 to 60 seconds long.
- • Post it publicly on social media.
- • Tag Carl’s Jr.’s official social media account.
- • Include the hashtags #MyCarlsJrAd and #Carls85th.
The 10 finalists will be selected in late August, and their videos will move on to a public voting round on Carl’s Jr.’s social media channels. The winner will be announced on August 28 based on a combination of public engagement and scores from Carl’s Jr.’s judging panel, earning the $85,000 grand prize. No purchase is necessary to enter. The contest is open only to legal U.S. residents who are at least 18 years old.
How many Carl’s Jr. restaurants are there in the United States?
Carl’s Jr. has a strong presence in the United States, with more than 1,000 restaurants spread across different states. The brand has established itself as one of the leading fast-food chains in the burger segment, especially on the West Coast, where it has a higher concentration of locations.
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What is My Rewards?
It’s the company’s loyalty program. Members earn stars for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for free food. Upon signing up, you’ll get access to exclusive offers and promotions. Plus, you’ll receive a free welcome item (including a Western Bacon Cheeseburger, a Famous Star, or a Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich) with any purchase of $1 or more.
You can start unlocking rewards once you reach 150 stars, with even more options available at 300 and 500 stars. To redeem your Stars, place an order through the app or website, add an eligible menu item to your cart, and select the reward you want to redeem before checking out.
Carl’s Jr. menu
Carl’s Jr.’s menu is known for offering large burgers, chicken options, sides, and desserts. Some of the most representative items include:
- • Famous Star with Cheese
- • Western Bacon Cheeseburger
- • Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger
- • Super Star with Cheese
- • The Big Carl
- • Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich
- • Spicy Chicken Sandwich
- • Chicken Stars
- • Natural-Cut French Fries
- • Waffle Fries
- • Onion Rings
- • Chocolate Chip Cookie
- • Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes
History of Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr. began in 1941, when Carl and Margaret Karcher bought a small hot dog cart in Los Angeles. Thanks to their entrepreneurial spirit, they expanded to four hot dog stands within a few years. In 1956, they took a major step by opening the first two Carl’s Jr. restaurants.
During its first 15 years, the brand was known as Carl’s Jr. Drive-In Barbecue, and its visual identity reflected the mid-20th-century aesthetic. The original logo was a vertical sign featuring the brand’s name topped with a large star.
This monochrome, triple-outlined star sat above a black banner displaying “Carl’s” in all caps. Beneath that, a second, trapezoid-shaped sign read “Drive-In Barbecue” in white letters. In 1956, the name was simplified to Carl’s Jr., marking the beginning of a long visual evolution. Over the years, the logo underwent several updates, leading to the modern and recognizable brand image we know today.
