California fast-food chain Carl's Jr. is facing significant backlash from customers who claim the quality of its food has diminished while prices have sharply increased. Patrons are taking to social media to voice their frustration, with many expressing dismay over the cost of meals that were once considered affordable.
One widely shared social media post highlighted a five-piece chicken tender combo priced at $19.17, sparking a wave of similar complaints. Commenters recalled prices for items like the spicy chicken sandwich being significantly lower in previous years, with one noting that a sandwich alone now costs between $5.49 and $6.00. Another patron suggested that rising minimum wage in California has contributed to the escalating prices of basic combo meals.
Founded in 1941 as a hot dog cart by Carl N. Karcher and his wife Margaret Heinz, Carl's Jr. grew into a global chain with over 3,000 locations worldwide. Menu items such as the Western Bacon Cheeseburger, cinnamon rolls, and ice cream shakes were once considered signature draws.
However, the chain has recently encountered difficulties in its home state, with reports of nearly 50 California locations closing, which some attribute to the state's increasing labor costs. A TikTok video criticizing the brand as "overpriced slop" gained traction, showcasing prices for a double Western Bacon Cheeseburger combo at $16.74 and a triple at $18.49.
Customers have expressed disappointment not only with the cost but also with the perceived decline in taste. "Are you out of your freaking minds? I went there the other day and I thought it was a glitch in the matrix," one user commented, adding that the burger was "one of the worst-tasting burgers that I’ve ever experienced." Another patron noted that coupons and deals have become less appealing over the past few years, suggesting that alternatives like Jack in the Box and In-N-Out offer better value.
Carl's Jr. was recently included in a list of the most expensive burger chains in the U.S. by TastingTable.