Hardee's logo
Burgers

Investment

$1,375,000

Initial Franchise Fee

$25,000

Units

2,037

Growth Rate

-5%

Overview About Investment Territories Support Operations Ranking History

Overview

Industry Food
Founded 1960
Franchising Since 1962
Parent Company CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc.
Leadership Joe Guith, CEO
# of Employees at HQ 426

Units and Growth Chart

Premium

Obfuscated data

Want to see the full picture? Log in to unlock premium data and detailed growth charts.

About Hardee's

From their bacon-topped burgers to their spicy chicken sandwiches, everything about Hardee's may be good to the last bite! The Hardee's menu includes many favorites, including hand-breaded biscuits, gravy, and even their famous monster biscuit.

Hardee's was founded in 1960 and is currently franchised by CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc. The first Hardee’s restaurant was opened in Greenville, North Carolina, but the brand has since grown. Hardee’s now boasts over 1,500 franchises across the United States, as well as over 400 internationally. Some are located in Pakistan, Asia, Latin America, and other mid-eastern countries. 

Hardee’s may be known for its burgers, but it also sells chicken sandwiches, biscuits, and other potential favorites.

Why You May Want to Start a Hardee's Franchise

Hardee's caters to a community environment by inviting customers from diverse backgrounds to come together to eat delicious food and have a good time. 

Hardee’s has worked to make improvements to its existing takeaway and home delivery system. The franchise believes it uses the newest technologies to come up with the state-of-the-art systems. Their models use technology to track orders and deliveries, as well. It may reduce labor and make everything easier for employees, while also improving the customer experience.

When you open a Hardee's franchise, you are also entering a brand that has more than fifty years of experience in the food industry. Hardee's franchised restaurants have been operational since 1962 and have accumulated a wealth of experience and specific expertise, potentially leading to their newer franchisees succeeding with the backing of an experienced company.

What Might Make a Hardee’s Franchise a Good Choice?

To be part of Hardee's team, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. You should also prepare yourself for ongoing fees that will include advertising, royalty, and potential renewal fees. Franchisees will also need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements.

Hardee’s has partnered with third-party financial sources that may help you cover the franchise fee, startup cost, equipment, inventory, and payroll if necessary. 

Hardee’s offers a substantial discount off the franchise fee for qualified veterans, potentially making the company a good one for veterans to consider. 

How To Open a Hardee’s Franchise

To open your own Hardee's franchise, you should first submit an inquiry form. If you are seen as a good fit, you may hear from a Hardee's franchise representative to guide you on the next steps towards opening your own location. 

Before making any financial commitment or signing an agreement, you must perform your due diligence and establish if this is the right opportunity for you. Speak to existing franchisees and ask questions directed to the Hardee's team. If your net worth and available liquid capital match the brand’s requirements, you may qualify to open a Hardee's franchise, and you can get started with an initial investment and relevant training.

With that, you may be well on your way to dishing up some of the tastiest burgers in town!

Investment Details

Initial Franchise Fee $25,000
Initial Investment $1,375,000 - $2,637,395
Cash Requirement
iGJeHvDJ Premium
Royalty Fee
bO Premium
Ad Royalty Fee
zqXh Premium
Term of Agreement
jHIebRkw Premium
Is Franchise Term Renewable?
ooS Premium
Financing
ZuzIWO5tmBj Premium

Get complete financial details. Log in to unlock cash requirements, fees, and financing terms.

Available Territories

Franchising opportunities available in the following regions

International

Want to see available territories? Log in to unlock territory availability and expansion opportunities.

Training & Support Programs

Comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed

Training

On the Job Training
Gpt
Classroom Training
efP

Ongoing Support

Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform

Get complete training details. Log in to unlock training programs, support services, and marketing assistance.

Operations & Requirements

Key operational details and requirements for running this franchise

Is absentee ownership allowed?
rD
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
oT
Can this franchise be run part time?
u4
# of employees required to run
i
Are exclusive territories available?
d3n
Veterans program
kXw

View operational requirements. Log in to unlock ownership options, staffing needs, and territory details.

Ranking History

Hardee's performance in the Franchise rankings over recent years

Sign Up for Our Franchise Newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest news and trends affecting the franchise industry.

Related Franchise Content

Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.

Franchise

What Smart Franchise Buyers Know Before They Ever Step Into Confirmation Day

With such a big decision on the line, you must be prepared to walk in to make the best possible decision for your future.

Franchise

What Two Adopted Puppies Taught Me About Breaking Through the Noise

One simple shift — from building a booth to creating a real emotional moment — turned passing foot traffic into meaningful conversations and lasting brand connections.

Franchise

Beware the Timing Trap — Is There Ever a Right Time to Start a Franchise?

Waiting for the "right" time to start a franchise often delays action, when success depends more on preparation and execution than perfect timing.

Franchise

How to Balance Passion and Practicality When Exploring a Business Opportunity

Passion can work for or against you in a business model. Your goal? Make it work for you.

Franchise

The Biggest Mistake Franchises Make With Their SEO Strategy — and How to Get Real Results in 2026

I've scaled SEO across dozens of locations. Here are the systems that franchise brands need to win in 2026.

Franchise

This Simple Blueprint Can Help You Sell More Franchises

If you're struggling to sell, it may be time to stop and take a hard look at whether you have all the pieces in place.

See more franchise content
Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022