Before Carl died the burgers actually tasted char-broiled and were the best of the major chains.
Soon after I noticed a definite decrease in quality. The burgers are more rubbery and tasteless than before.
The Carl's near us somehow got a Zagat rating, but it is definitely not deserved.
You remember it like I do. Carl’s Jr used to char broil their hamburgers and they were excellent. Carl used to eat at his stores regularly, and when the owner is a customer the product is going to be good.
IMO the quality started going downhill before Carl died. That began when he lost control of the company to the MBA crowd that runs it today. All they were interested in is short term dollars. Cut back quality, lower the payroll, crank out soft porn ads aimed at teenage males. That’s their formula.