Originally Posted by Eastbay1K

Carl's Jr. was a staple growing up in Southern California. Then, the dear founder, Carl Karcher, became known for spending his $ various causes that made me never want to eat there again. I don't know what the current ownership is, now that he is gone (i.e., 6 feet under). But growing up, and before I knew what he was all about, it was a much tastier alternative than the golden arches, across the street.

Karcher had been a lifelong supporter of Conservative causes and contributed to anti-abortion and anti-gay initiatives.

Karcher was an early supporter of John Schmitz, a Republican and member of the John Birch Society who represented Orange County in the state senate and later Congress.

In 1978, he provided $1 million USD to California's Proposition 6, also known as the Briggs Initiative. He was the initiative's biggest financial supporter. The proposition was a ballot measure requiring the termination of all gays and lesbians from employment in public schools. The initiative was defeated by over one million votes.