CKE Restaurants Announces Hardee's Expansion Plans Across Orlando, FL

CARPINTERIA, Calif., May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CKE Restaurants, Inc., announced today its expansion plans for the development of new Hardee's® restaurants throughout the greater Orlando, Fla. area. The company is seeking to expand its Orlando footprint over the next several years and identifying the potential to develop as many as 79 restaurants in the market. Currently, Hardee's operates 14 locations within the Orlando metro-area.

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Actively seeking new franchisees, Hardee's will host an Executive Roundtable on May 8 in Orlando from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to share information about the benefits of owning a Hardee's restaurant and specific opportunities in Orlando. To attend the Roundtable or schedule an individual meeting, please visit www.ckefranchise.com/Success to complete the registration form.

"Hardee's is ranked among the highest quality and best tasting brands in the burger segment and recognized for our consistent track record of sales growth and solid unit economics," said Ned Lyerly, CKE's Executive Vice President of Global Franchise Development. "We are excited to expand in the Orlando area, and we're now looking for experienced multi-unit operators to join the brand."

Qualified candidates should possess a minimum net worth of $1 million and a minimum liquidity of $300,000.  Franchisees can expect an initial investment of $1.1 million, including the franchise fee. Additional franchise information is available at www.ckefranchise.com.

"Our commitment at Hardee's to serve premium-quality, great-tasting food is rivaled only by our commitment to the success of our franchisees," continued Lyerly. Started in 1960, Hardee's has been an East Coast and Midwest favorite for more than 50 years. Although most people know Hardee's for its Made from Scratch Biscuits™, all that changed in 2003 with the launch of the 100% Black Angus Beef Thickburger® line.  The sit-down-restaurant-quality Thickburgers established Hardee's as a leader in the quick service industry in quality and taste.  Today, Hardee's forges ahead with a strong heritage, iconic memorable ads and an innovative menu – creating a fast food experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner that can't be topped this side of the Mississippi.

About Hardee's
Celebrating more than 50 years in the quick-service industry, Hardee's Food Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. of Carpinteria, Calif. As of the end of fiscal 2012, the Company, through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,243 franchised or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 25 countries, including 1,313 Carl's Jr.^® restaurants and 1,912 Hardee's restaurants. For more information, or to find a Hardee's near you, go to www.hardees.com. Hardee's social media sites includewww.facebook.com/hardees, www.twitter.com/hardees, and www.youtube.com/hardees.

Contact:
Carolyn Popescu
Fish Consulting
954.893.9150
[email protected]

SOURCE Hardee's