CKE Restaurants, Inc.

Earlier this month, Hardee’s corporate and franchise leaders gathered for the 2024 Independent Hardee’s Franchise Association conference in Las Vegas. The annual event provides an opportunity to learn, grow and celebrate team and individual successes and plan for an even stronger 2025. Conference highlights included crowing 2024 Biscuit Baker Champion Heather Holthaus and giving back to our non-profit partners as part of the 2024 Stars for Heroes Campaign. Thanks to everyone for a great event and another great year of partnership. #GoodnessintheMaking

Who doesn’t love a down-home brunch and Made-from-Scratch Biscuits? This year, Hardee’s was a proud sponsor of the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, hosted right here in our hometown of Franklin, TN. Alongside can’t-miss performances, Hardee’s was on site with free biscuits for new and existing My Rewards loyalty program members all weekend and samples of cold brew and Cinnamon ‘N’ Raisin Biscuits to Sunday crowds. Hardee’s also hosted a VIP sweepstakes, giving one lucky winner the opportunity for an “Eat & Greet” with Country Star Lukas Nelson. Thanks to our brand and culinary teams for representing us with goodness and pride and to the Pilgrimage Team for an amazing event.

This season, nothing is spookier than getting ghosted. Whether your potential employer or supposed best friend has cut off contact, or you’re feeling the guilt of ghosting someone yourself, we have just the solution to lift your spirits with Carl’s Jr.’s new limited-time burger – The Ghost. While a burger with face-melting ghost pepper cheese and soul-scorching sauce is enough to satisfy heat-seeking cravings, we’re giving our guests some extras, too. Brand fans have the chance to get in on the fun by bringing their bold, audacious selves front and center to share their ghosting stories to social media for a chance to win free food and swag. Learn more about The Ghost and the #GhostMode campaign here: https://lnkd.in/g4UPwr5R?

Last week, leaders from across the Carl's Jr. brand met in Salt Lake City for the Star Franchise Association conference. The SFA conference brings together franchise groups, CKE teams and vendors annually to discuss common goals, celebrate successes, and get geared up for the growth opportunities ahead. The collaboration and shared experiences throughout the week have left our teams feeling energized and ready to keep creating the bold experiences our guests crave!

Have you heard? Hardee's announced its final four competitors for the national Biscuit Baker Competition, representing four cities from across the country. Last week, we welcomed them to the Restaurant Support Center in Franklin, Tenn. as we hosted the final round of competition and threw a celebration of their craft with lifestyle, industry and influencer media in attendance. They’re all hometown breakfast heroes in our books, but stay tuned to see who is ultimately crowned the 2024 Biscuit Baker Competition Winner!

At Carl’s Jr., making the burgers our guests crave is not just a job, it’s an art form, and it’s celebrated every year during the national Perfect Burger Competition. Yesterday, Carl’s Jr. was proud to announce the winner of its annual competition is 16-year Burger Chef Martha Galvan, hailing from Irvine, Calif. and representing Franchisee Amir Siddiqi and Tom Thompson Entities. Along with her fellow finalists, Galvan competed live in front of a cheering crowd at the annual Star Franchise Association Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Congratulations to Martha and her team on taking home the win! Read more of her story here: https://lnkd.in/gPmTKZKw

On September 3, 1960, Wilber Hardee opened the first Hardee’s restaurant in Greenville, North Carolina. What followed was more than 60 years of growth, teamwork and commitment to communities around the globe. In celebration of that amazing legacy, Hardee's teams held a two-part Founders Day event on Tuesday, with corporate teams serving alongside restaurant teams in the morning and everyone joining in for a 64th Founders Day celebration in the afternoon. Thanks to everyone involved for a great event, and to our teams and partners for continuing to build on the legacy of our great founder, Wilber Hardee.

It’s official! Carl’s Jr. has leveled-up the value game with the debut of its More Bang, Less Buck Value menu. "Carl's Jr. guests won't settle for any old value meal – they want bold, craveable flavors, all without breaking the bank," said Vice President of Brand Marketing Anthony Nguyen. "More Bang, Less Buck offers the bold ingredients Carl's Jr. is known for, like crispy bacon, fresh guacamole and fiery jalapenos, and we're really proud to deliver a budget-conscious menu that doesn't sacrifice on adventurous flavors." Learn more about More Bang, Less Buck below.  

Today isn’t just any day, it’s National Zucchini Day, which is an extra-special holiday at Carl’s Jr. For decades, we’ve been serving big, bold craveable burgers that everyone can enjoy. Fun fact! The Zucchini Burger has made several appearances on our menu over the years, and the latest rendition was inspired by two of our long-time team members. Adding to the deliciousness, Carl’s Jr. serves crispy Fried Zucchini bites for the snackers – a favorite of our celebrity guests. In recognition of this significant holiday to Carl’s Jr., the Fried Zucchini Star is available for just $4 at participating locations, August 8-11. We’ll see everyone at Carl’s Jr. soon to celebrate!

Hardee’s has value in the bag - the Original Bag, that is! Last week, Hardee’s reintroduced the Original Bag, bringing guests the can’t-miss value they’ve been seeking, the Hardee’s way. With three full-sized hometown favorites on the menu, we’re taking value one step further by providing the craft-made quality Hardee’s fans expect, at a price point anyone can get behind. Learn more about the Original Bag below.