Carl’s Jr. has unveiled a new late-night promotion aimed at hungry night owls and budget-conscious customers. The “Build Your Own Bag” meal deal is available nightly from 8 p.m. through July 8, offering a full meal for just $5.99 at participating locations.
The deal includes four Chicken Stars — Carl’s Jr.’s star-shaped chicken nuggets — plus a choice of either a Single Cali Classic Burger or a Spicy Chicken Sandwich, and a side of fries or onion rings.
Members of the chain’s My Rewards loyalty program can access additional customization options. These include entrée upgrades to a single cheeseburger or Jalapeño Burger, and alternative sides like waffle fries, fried zucchini, or a slice of chocolate cake.
“Whether they need a quick bite after a night out or enjoy a late dinner, our guests want convenience and food that delivers incredible flavor when seeking out a late-night option,” said Paz Romero, vice president of brand for Carl’s Jr. “Build Your Own Bag allows guests to mix and match delicious menu items, choosing exactly what fits their cravings.”
To promote the campaign, Carl’s Jr. hosted a special after-hours event on May 7 at its Santa Monica, California location, which was temporarily transformed into “Club Carl’s.” The party featured a DJ set by Disco Lines, samples of Carl’s Jr. menu items, and a special appearance by TikTok and Instagram influencer Alix Earle, known for her “Get Ready With Me” videos.
Earle previously partnered with Carl’s Jr. earlier this year to promote the Hangover Burger — a stacked breakfast-style burger that includes a beef patty, folded egg, four strips of bacon, Swiss cheese, Hash Rounds, and Carl’s Jr.’s signature sauce. On National Hangover Day, February 10, the chain offered the Hangover Burger free to loyalty members.
“I’m someone who loves a night out with friends, capped off by the perfect late-night meal, so Club Carl’s was the ultimate celebration — blending so many of my favorite things,” Earle said in a statement. “Partnering with Carl’s Jr. earlier this year on the Hangover Burger was a perfect solution for something I crave in the morning, and now we have an ode to late-night with the Build Your Own Bag promotion to curb those after-hour cravings.”
The new promotion comes as the restaurant industry faces increased pressure from inflation and shifting consumer habits. Carl’s Jr., owned by Franklin, Tennessee-based CKE Restaurants, reported a 5.7% decline in sales in 2024, according to data from Technomic. The brand also closed 30 locations, ending the year with 1,033 restaurants.
While Carl’s Jr. is privately held, the new late-night offering appears to be a strategic move to drive customer traffic and recover momentum in a competitive fast-food market.
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