Hardee's Franchise
Hardee's, generating more than $2 million in sales, is a widely spread chain of popular quick-service restaurants known for its 100% Angus burgers.
$300,000
$35,000
1,571
1961
Franklin, TN
Jason D. Marker
About Hardee's
Hardee's is an international chain of quick-service restaurants owned by CKE Restaurants, which also owns Carl's Jr., Cinnabon, Moe's, and other brands. While it has heavy market saturation, the popularity of the brand means it still enjoys robust sales and expected growth. Hardee's first became known for its made from scratch biscuits. In the early 2000s it began to heavily promote the Thickburger, made from 100% Angus beef. This burger has become its menu mainstay.
Franchise Unit Trends & Revenue
1,571
8
$1,288,025
* in 2025
Franchise Fees
$35,000
4.0%
Gross Sales
4.25%
Gross Sales
Why Choose Hardee's?
Hardee's is a good franchise choice because the brand and name recognition are in place and rock-solid. The products and menu are well-established and popular already so there is a built-in potential client base. There are also key markets that have little to no Hardee's presence. An adventurous franchisee could find some prime real estate in diverse locations if they are willing to explore.
The CKE company offers excellent support for opening and running your new franchise. Franchisees have the following resources available to them:
- Pre-opening assistance such as site selection and restaurant design
- Field support from a team of Franchise Business Consultants
- Local store marketing and strategic advertising suggestions from the Marketing Team
- Help with operations issues from the Franchise Services Department
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$1,530,000 - $1,995,000
$1,000,000
$300,000
Training & Support
Hardee's provides training to the franchisee, the Operating Principal, General Manager, and six shift leaders at no cost. Additional employees are $500 per week.
History
Hardee's began in Greenville, North Carolina in 1960 when Wilber Hardee opened his first restaurant. His first franchisee came on board just five months later and exponential growth followed. By the end of the 1960s there were almost 200 Hardee's restaurants in the United States and one location in Germany.
During the 1970s Hardee's continued to spread throughout the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Southeast. In 1975 the chain reached an important milestone with its 1,000th restaurant. Their famous flaky biscuits were a key part of that success as they quickly became one of the most popular menu items.
Hardee's continued to grow by acquiring the Burger Chef chain in the 1980's, which added 650 units to the company. By the end of the decade Hardee's reached 2,000 restaurants. They were then purchased by CKE Restaurants, Inc., in the 1990s, and are still a part of their holdings. Under CKE's leadership Hardee's has increased its market share around the world, opening sites in places such as Bahrain, Pakistan, Palestine, Lebanon, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia. Despite having 2,241 units worldwide, there is still room for Hardee's to expand and grow into the 21st century.
Ideal Candidate
A franchisee for Hardee's needs to have a good deal of financial resources. The investment is high at close to $2,000,000 and the liquid capital required is substantial as well. The company prefers candidates with experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry as quick-service is a highly competitive market.
A Hardee's franchise is a good fit for someone who loves the brand and wants to represent it. The ideal candidate should understand marketing, advertising, and promotion as the restaurant will have to compete for market share. Since Hardee's is seeking to expand internationally, franchisees who are willing to go abroad and have a grasp on international business are also excellent candidates.
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