• July 12, 2011

CKE Restaurants' Carl's Jr. chain is employing a variety of social media efforts tying into marking the chain's 70th anniversary this month. Carl N. Karcher opened the chain on July 17, 1941 (taking in a grand total of $14.75 on that first day). Consumers who sign up to receive email offers from Carl's Jr. by July 14 will receive an email with a printable coupon for a 70-cent Famous Star, redeemable only on July 17.

The brand's YouTube channel is featuring an anniversary video, and its Facebook and Flickr pages are featuring vintage photos and memorabilia. In addition, fans are being encouraged to post their own photos, videos and memories of Carl's Jr.

The brand's Twitter followers can win random prizes such as anniversary T-shirts and free food items. The chain is also marketing commemorative T-shirts featuring images of its Happy Star mascot over the years in its The Wheel of Awesome Facebook area.

Live anniversary events will be held in Los Angeles and Anaheim, Calif. on July 15 and 17.