Hardee’s
Financial Plan
Liquid capital
The amount you need to secure the necessary loans.
Total investment
Total Investment to launch the business, including initial fees ($25,000–$35,000 per store)
Average annual revenue
A snapshot of yearly performance
The Concept
Hardee’s is a long-established American quick-service restaurant brand founded in 1961. The brand became part of CKE Restaurants in 1997 when CKE acquired Hardee’s, adding approximately 2,500 restaurants to the company. Today, Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. operate under the same CKE corporate family while retaining distinct regional brand identities.
Hardee’s is particularly associated with charbroiled burgers, breakfast products and its Made From Scratch Biscuits. Its current franchise strategy is heavily oriented toward multi-unit development. Hardee’s says it prefers three-store minimum development agreements in existing markets and five-store minimums in new markets, while targeting franchisees capable of eventually developing 10 or more restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much capital does a Hardee’s franchisee need?
Hardee’s requires at least $300,000 in liquid assets and $1 million in net worth. The financial requirement is separate from the actual cost of constructing and opening the restaurant, which the company currently estimates at $1.375 million to $2.637 million per unit.
Does Hardee’s prefer single-unit or multi-unit franchisees?
Hardee’s strongly favors multi-unit operators. Its current development program calls for a minimum of three stores in existing markets and five in new markets, with a target of 10 or more restaurants. However, the FAQ says the company may consider one- or two-unit agreements in certain circumstances.
What are the ongoing franchise fees?
Hardee’s charges a 4% royalty on gross sales and requires up to 7% of gross sales for advertising and promotions. The franchise fee is $25,000–$35,000 per store, depending on the number of restaurants in operation, and the development fee is $10,000 per store.
Does Hardee’s help with real estate and construction?
Yes. The franchisee is responsible for acquiring real estate and contracting construction, but Hardee’s provides site-selection assistance, demographic and competitive mapping, prototype designs and construction support. Its current development program offers several formats, including traditional freestanding restaurants, endcaps, drive-thru-only units and food-court/express formats.
What training does Hardee’s provide?
The company requires the operating principal and up to three managers to complete its Franchise Management Training Program. Hardee’s currently describes the program as a 12-week training process, followed by on-site opening assistance from its training team.
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