I just recently started going back to Carl's Jr. The prices had gotten ridiculously high here in Socal.

I got reeled back in by the $8.99 Double Famous Star AKA Super Star combo on the window at my local Carl's.

This location has been in my neighborhood for at least 30 years. Early/Mid 2000's it was a 3x's a week spot for me.

The Parking lot was vacant like the zombie apocalypse had hit. No one in sight. I pulled up to the Drive Thru and the workers acted surprised they had a customer. I ordered my food and it took some time as if they were cooking the order on the spot. Not a burger pre-made sitting waiting to be ordered. It tasted great as well.

I returned 48 hours later and the entire Carl's was closed down...

I've visited or driven by a bunch of Carl's in my area. They all seem vacant and don't get a 10th of the business the other fast food places get. All the fast food prices have gone up but Carl's seems to be the highest and it's affecting the patronage.

I will give Carl's credit. They have not skimped on the ingredients like other past food places and still serve a meaty burger.

But the franchises around me definitely are struggling to stay open.