Monday, May 28, 2012

Hardee's planning big Charlotte expansion

Hardee's owner CKE Restaurants, Inc., said it plans to open as many as 35 new franchise restaurants in the Charlotte region. That's on top of 51 Hardee's currently in the Charlotte market.

"We are excited to expand in the Charlotte area, and we’re now looking for experienced multi-unit operators to join the brand,” said CKE vice president Ned Lyerly in an email.
The California-based company is holding an event on June 7 in Charlotte, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., to discuss the business one-on-one with interested potential franchisees. To learn more or register, click here.

So what does it take to open your own Hardee's franchise? "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."

Hardee's obviously has deep Carolina roots. Founded in 1960 in Greenville, there are now 1,912 Hardee's restaurants nationwide. And Panthers owner Jerry Richardson made his name as a businessman by running Hardee's franchises after his playing career with the Baltimore Colts. CKE also owns Carl's Jr., of which there are 1,313 locations.

9 comments:

  1. They should expand, it's a good brand .

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  2. There are 51 Hardee's in the Charlotte Region??? I know of like, 2.

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  3. $1.1 million for a Hardee's franchise?

    Next

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  4. Glad to hear as I miss Carl's Jr, & Hardee's is very similar, I just wish they carried crisscut fries.

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  5. Unless someone is bringing Popeyes back then I don't won't to hear about any other franchise.

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  6. Haven't been to a Hardee's in years (they all closed).

    If they sell $1 Sweet Tea like McDonald's... they'll get me in the door!

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  7. Hardees' ceded the cities to their competitors years ago. Now, with rare exceptions, you only find them in the hinterlands or along rural stretches of the Interstates or other highways. There couldn't possibly be 51 locations in the Charlotte area unless you make that area run from Columbia SC to Greensboro. Ridiculous.

    That said, I'd love to see them expand back into urban areas as they're the class of the fast-food industry, by far.

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  8. Ely, I thought Hardee's was founded in Rocky Mount, not Greenville.

    And I think Jerry Richardson made his fortune in Denny's franchises, not Hardee's.

    Maybe I'm wrong...

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  9. Hello Anon,
    The first Hardee's was opened in Greenville, N.C., by Wilber Hardee in 1960. Jerry Richardson got his start in the restaurant franchising business by opening a Hardee's in 1961. From there, his company grew, and eventually did indeed acquire Denny's.

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