Carl Karcher 1917-2008

Heard on television last night that Carl Karcher, the founder of Carl's Jr. passed away on Jan. 11 this year. I was a little bummed out, not because I'm a huge Carl's Jr. fan, but because I had met Mr. Karcher a few years back when I was working at the Marriott. He was very friendly and respectful of the all the staff. The weekend that he stayed in the hotel, he always had a smile on his face (he was in Eugene for a relative's graduation). He even gave me a VIP pass for Carl's Jr, which I believe entitles me to free burgers for life, though I have never used it. The few people I have talked to that have also met him, mostly former employees of Carl's Jr., have always had positive things to say about the man. Though I didn't know him well, this burger pioneer will surely be missed. Perhaps I will take advantage of the VIP pass this week in his honor.