Margaret Karcher

Margaret Karcher

Margaret Karcher
Born	(1931-12-13)December 13, 1931 Upper Sandusky, Ohio, U.S.
Died	April 11, 2019(2019-04-11) (aged 87) Santa Ana, California, U.S.
Occupation	Co-founder of Carl's Jr.
Spouse(s)	Carl Karcher

Margaret Karcher (December 13, 1931 – April 11, 2019) was an American businesswoman and co-founder of the fast-food chain Carl's Jr.. She played a significant role in the success and expansion of the company alongside her husband, Carl Karcher.

Early Life and Career

Margaret Karcher was born on December 13, 1931, in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. She grew up in a modest family and developed a strong work ethic from an early age. After completing her education, Margaret moved to California, where she met her future husband, Carl Karcher.

In 1941, Margaret and Carl Karcher opened their first hot dog cart, which eventually led to the establishment of Carl's Drive-In Barbecue in Anaheim, California, in 1945. The restaurant gained popularity for its delicious charbroiled hamburgers and friendly service.

Co-founding Carl's Jr.

In 1956, Margaret and Carl Karcher opened the first Carl's Jr. restaurant in Anaheim, California. The restaurant introduced a new concept of fast-food dining, offering a larger menu and higher-quality ingredients compared to other fast-food chains at the time. Margaret played a crucial role in the development of the menu, ensuring that the food served at Carl's Jr. was of the highest quality.

Under Margaret and Carl's leadership, Carl's Jr. expanded rapidly, opening numerous locations throughout California and eventually expanding nationwide. The chain became known for its iconic charbroiled burgers, hand-breaded chicken tenders, and made-from-scratch biscuits.

Legacy and Philanthropy

Margaret Karcher's dedication and hard work contributed significantly to the success of Carl's Jr. and its reputation for quality food. She and her husband were committed to giving back to their community and supported various charitable causes throughout their lives.

After Carl Karcher's passing in 2008, Margaret continued to be involved in philanthropic activities. She supported organizations focused on education, healthcare, and community development. Margaret's philanthropic efforts left a lasting impact on the communities she served.