Carl's Jr. rolls out Grilled Cheese Bacon BurgerCarl's Jr. rolls out Grilled Cheese Bacon Burger

Molly Gise

CARPINTERIA Calif. Carl's Jr. is the latest restaurant chain to tap into consumers' love of comfort food with its new Grilled Cheese Bacon Burger.

The sandwich consists of a charbroiled burger patty, bacon and two slices each of American and Swiss cheeses on grilled sourdough bread. It's available as a single, double or Six Dollar Burger for $2.49, $3.49 and $4.49, respectively.

Brad Haley, executive vice president of marketing for parent company CKE Restaurants Inc., said the idea for the new burger originated from plans to introduce a grilled cheese sandwich for vegetarian customers.

"But, being Carl’s Jr., a chain known for its decadent burgers, someone suggested that we try it with a charbroiled burger patty and bacon for our carnivorous customers," Haley said, "and the Grilled Cheese Bacon Burgers were born."

He added that vegetarian customers can still order the sandwich without the burger and bacon.

Comfort food has inspired several new menu items lately at a variety of restaurant concepts, from fast food to fine dining. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, for example, is featuring chicken pot pie and pot roast on its winter menu, and The Capital Grille has put an upscale spin on classic dishes for a new prix-fixe menu that includes tomato and fennel soup with miniature grilled mozzarella, prosciutto and basil sandwiches.

The Carl's Jr. chain has 1,221 locations.

Contact Molly Gise at [email protected].