Ranked among the Top 3 Burger Franchises in 2008 by Entrepreneur magazine, Hardee's^® has built a reputation as one of America's premier burger brands. Established in 1961 by Wilbur Hardee, today there are more than 1,900 Hardee’s^® in the Midwestern/Eastern United States and in international markets. Hardee’s^® is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: CKR), the operator of more than 3,120 Carl’s Jr.^® and Hardee’s^® restaurants in 42 states and 17 countries.

CKE’s innovative menu strategy is focused on developing premium, sit-down restaurant quality menu items that offer the convenience and value of fast food.   With significant enhancements to the customer experience such as partial table service, CKE provides a quick-service experience – Six Dollar Service^® – that consistently matches the menu quality.

The Hardee’s^® menu is designed to give fast-food customers what they want: bigger, better burgers. The brand features a line of 1/4-, 1/3-, 1/2- and 2/3-pound 100% Black Angus Beef Thickburgers^® that are complemented by a line of premium Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts^TM.  Hardee’s^® is a popular breakfast destination with a breakfast menu anchored by a line of premium Made from Scratch^TM Biscuits.  Hardee’s^® restaurants can be dual-branded with Red Burrito^®, adding a Mexican-style menu to broaden appeal and increase transactions.

Investment Required

The fee for a Hardee’s^® franchise is $35,000 with a reduction for additional units.  The fee for a Hardee’s^®/Red Burrito^® franchise is $47,500, with a reduction for additional units.

Hardee’s^® requires franchisees to have a minimum net worth of $1 million and liquid assets of $300,000 per unit developed, with a 3-store minimum commitment preferred.

Ongoing Expenses

Hardee’s^® franchisees pay royalty fees equal to 4% of gross sales and required advertising and promotional expenses equal to a minimum of 5% of gross sales.  The required advertising spending includes an advertising fund contribution equal to 0.8% of gross sales (subject to a minimum of $475 and a maximum of $850 per restaurant) regional co-op fees and local store marketing. Dual concept franchisees also pay applicable production fund and advertising fees based on Red Burrito^® gross sales.

What You Get—Training and Support

Hardee’s^® is focused on providing franchisees with the development tools they need to grow.  Each franchisee is paired with an experienced, knowledgeable Franchise Business Consultant (FBC) who provides customized support throughout the franchise relationship.

Hardee’s^® assists its franchisees with site selection, restaurant design, equipment ordering, construction and training.  Hardee’s^® is focused on providing its franchisees with exceptional building assistance, offering a new prototype that is available in three flexible sizes and designed to engineer costs. After the restaurant is opened, Hardee’s^® continues to support franchisees with a team of field support professionals, operations support and research and development of new products. 

Franchisees also benefit from Hardee’s^® unique and innovative marketing efforts, which extend to local support for promotions and advertising.  With edgy, irreverent advertising, Hardee’s^® is a strong and recognizable brand that appeals to its prime target market: young, hungry guys who crave big, juicy burgers.   

Territory

Hardee’s^® grants exclusive franchise development territories.