# Carl's Jr. Franchise Hits Hard

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/los-angeles-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7458113/carl-s-jr-franchise-hits-hard.md
Podcast: [Los Angeles News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/los-angeles-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7458113)
Published: 2026-05-31T23:59:02+00:00
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Duration seconds: 109

## Resource

A major Carl’s Jr. franchisee in Southern California is drowning in debt, filing for bankruptcy and eyeing the closure of ten locations while selling off another 49. Owner Harshad Dharod blames soaring labor costs—including the $20 minimum wage—and lack of corporate support from CKE Restaurants. While the parent company insists this is an isolated case, the struggling locations are already drawing buyer interest. Despite monthly losses exceeding $600K, the franchise once brought in $6M a month. Employees worry about staffing and safety, but job security may remain intact under new ownership amid a tough fast-food market hit by inflation and aggressive competition. Support the show: Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/6aa5c080459e0a28

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