Carl’s Jr. Celebrates 85 Years with $85,000 Fan Video Contest

After 85 years of charbroiling and advertising as breakthrough as its burgers, Carl’s Jr. is doing what it does best: going bold. The iconic chain is launching an $85,000 video contest that puts its fans’ creativity, and their love for bold and craveable flavors, front and center.

From July 20 – Aug. 7, participants are invited to create and submit an original 30- to 60- second video showing their spin on an iconic Carl’s Jr ad. Submissions should infuse the brand’s bold personality and craveable menu items using their own authentic style to be considered for the $85,000 grand prize. Entrants are encouraged to create social media videos, jingles or even the next iconic ad. Entries must be posted publicly, tag Carl’s Jr.’s social media handle and include the dedicated hashtags #MyCarlsJrAd and #Carls85th.

Finalists will be announced on or around Aug. 23, 2026, and seeded into The Carl’s Creative Bracket**,** a head-to-head voting experience hosted on Carl’s Jr.’s social channels. The public will be able to vote, comment and engage with their favorite entries, with the final winner determined by a combination of audience engagement and Carl’s Jr. selection committee scores. The grand prize winner will be announced on or around Aug. 28, 2026, and awarded $85,000.

“For 85 years, our fans have been the real stars. As we celebrate this milestone, we wanted to give back in a way that puts our fans and their bold ideas at the center of the moment,” said Burge Diemer, chief marketing officer at Carl’s Jr. “This contest is designed to celebrate the people who have helped shape Carl’s Jr. into what is is today.”

For more news, follow Carl’s Jr. on social media. For promotions, download the Carl’s Jr. app and join the My Rewards loyalty program.

*No purchase necessary. Must be 18 or older and a legal resident of the United States to enter. Void where prohibited and in FL, NY, and RI. Valid entries must be submitted between July 17 and August 7, 2026. Ten finalists will be selected on August 28, 2026 and a grand prize winner will be chosen by a combination of audience voting (total engagements) and Sponsor’s panel input (total scores). Grand Prize – $85,000 cash award. X: @CarlsJr Instagram: @carlsjr TikTok: @carlsjrofficial Facebook: