Burger stakes claim where taco reigns

SAN LUIS, Ariz. - The all-American hamburger continues to carve a niche for itself on the border where Mexican food has long reigned.

Carl's Jr. has opened a restaurant in San Luis, joining fast-food eateries already established by McDonald's and Jack in the Box.

The Carl's Jr., located at 1517 N. Main St., is open and serving up a variety of hamburgers, burritos and other menu items, after a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday night that brought together city officials and representatives of the hamburger chain.

Kelly Karcher, granddaughter of the Carl's Jr. founder Carl Karcher and an officer in the chain, said coming to San Luis is as much about being part of the community as serving up burgers.

"It makes me very happy to open restaurants in growing communities like San Luis, because I realized the opportunities and the future they represent," she said in a telephone interview. "We want to become part of that future and of the community.

"I am living the dream of the founder, my grandfather, who began this company from a hot dog cart in 1941, and of my father, of the same name. That was to offer a meal that could be enjoyed in a good environment.

"Our intention," she added, "is to draw residents of San Luis and of San Luis Rio Colorado (Son.), and we want them to consider us as part of the community. There are many ways in which Carl's Jr. can get involved in the community, in organizations, in the schools, according to activities (selected) by local managers," she said.

The restaurant operates 24 hours a day and will employ 60 people.

The employees, who recently completed their training, put their newly attained culinary and customer service skills into practice when they served their families food in a taste test in advance of last week's opening.

The 3,987-square-foot building, which includes a drive-through lane and a children's play area, is the 40th in two-state zone of Arizona and California and at least the fourth in Yuma County.

The San Luis restaurant, built by Roseville, Calif.-based R.C. Pacific, represents more than two years of planning, according to officials of the chain.

The restaurant is located in the same commercial area as the city's Wal-Mart and five other stores.

Karin Meza, public information officer for San Luis City Hall, said a branch of Clear Talk is soon to open in the same complex.