Carl’s Jr. nears the end of an era as parent company, CKE, begins California exit

The California exit of CKE Restaurants, parent of Carl’s Jr., begins in March, ending a decades-long era for the fast-food company founded 60 years ago in Anaheim by Carl Karcher.

Carpinteria-based CKE, which also owns St. Louis-based Hardee’s, is consolidating both offices in Tennessee, which will be home to 120 corporate employees. Of those, 54 are new hires, which was necessary as 51 employees, including 24 working in Carpinteria, opted not to relocate, CKE said.

Employees sticking with the company will begin their move in March.