Carl’s Jr. crushed by California’s minimum wage, as violence-stricken workers walk out on the job
Carl's Jr. is facing significant challenges in California due to the state's $20 minimum wage and increasing workplace violence. The chain has seen a decline in its number of units and reported financial losses despite substantial revenue. Employees have gone on strike, citing unsafe working conditions and understaffing as major concerns.
- ▪Carl's Jr. has 588 units in California as of 2025, down from 613 in 2023.
- ▪A major franchisee filed for bankruptcy, affecting 11% of operations in the state.
- ▪Employees have reported aggressive and violent behavior from customers, leading to fears for their safety.
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Business Carl’s Jr. crushed by California’s minimum wage, as violence-stricken workers walk out on the job By Titus Wu Published May 18, 2026, 12:40 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Iconic burger chain Carl’s Jr. is under increasing financial pressure from both California’s cost of doing business, $20 minimum wage rules and public safety issues that employees allege are spilling into the workplace. Carl’s Jr. has 588 units in California as of 2025, but that number declined by 4% from 2023, when it had 613 units in the state, according to internal franchise documents. Last month, a major franchisee filed for bankruptcy, affecting 11% of operations across the state.
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