Hardee's
Food & Beverage · Burgers & Fries
Description
What is Hardee's?
The brand's signature Made From Scratch™ Biscuits and Thickburgers® have become legendary among food enthusiasts, while their commitment to quality is evident in their use of 100% Black Angus beef and fresh-baked buns. With a robust breakfast menu that transitions seamlessly into lunch and dinner offerings, Hardee's provides franchise owners with multiple daypart revenue opportunities.
With a strong presence across the Eastern and Midwestern United States, Hardee's has demonstrated remarkable staying power and adaptability in the ever-evolving fast-food landscape. Their proven business model combines operational excellence with a deep understanding of regional taste preferences, allowing franchisees to connect meaningfully with their local communities.
The franchise provides comprehensive training programs, marketing support, and a time-tested operational system that helps franchisees maximize their potential for success. As part of CKE Restaurants Holdings, Hardee's franchisees benefit from the backing of a sophisticated corporate infrastructure and decades of industry expertise.
For entrepreneurs seeking to enter the food service industry with a recognized brand, Hardee's offers the perfect blend of traditional values and modern business practices, supported by a legacy of success and continued innovation in the quick-service restaurant sector.
- 64-year established brand heritage
- 1,707 locations nationwide footprint
- Made-from-scratch breakfast biscuits specialty
- Lower investment than sector average
- Proven operational systems infrastructure
- Strong breakfast daypart positioning
Location Analysis
Where Hardee's wins
The franchise's geographic footprint spans from major markets to emerging territories, maintaining a strong presence in traditional strongholds while establishing strategic outposts in states like Maine, North Dakota, and Idaho. This distribution pattern suggests a methodical expansion strategy that has evolved over its 60+ year history. The substantial concentration of units in the Southeast and Midwest regions indicates successful market penetration in areas with favorable demographics and operating costs.
Market analysis suggests optimal performance in locations with median household incomes between $45,000-$75,000, particularly in suburban areas with mixed residential and commercial development. Successful locations typically feature high-visibility sites along major thoroughfares, proximity to residential areas, and strong morning commuter traffic to support their breakfast business. The difference between active and operational locations suggests potential for reactivation of temporarily closed locations and opportunities for strategic expansion in existing markets.
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Financial Analysis
The numbers behind Hardee's
The fast-food burger segment remains resilient despite competitive pressures, with consumer demand for convenient, value-oriented dining driving consistent traffic. Hardee's operates in a mature market where brand differentiation through menu innovation and operational efficiency becomes critical for sustained performance.
With 1,707 units and 64 years of operational history since 1960, Hardee's demonstrates substantial system maturity and franchisor experience. This extensive footprint indicates proven operational systems, established supply chains, and comprehensive support infrastructure essential for franchisee success.
The reported gross revenue of $1,187,683 tracks closely with sub-sector averages of $1,259,214, suggesting competitive market positioning. However, investors must carefully evaluate local market dynamics, as fast-food performance varies significantly by demographics and competitive density.
Ideal candidates should possess liquid capital exceeding $350,000 and restaurant management experience, given the operational complexity of food service. Multi-unit development opportunities exist for qualified investors seeking portfolio expansion. The franchise suits markets with strong breakfast daypart potential, leveraging Hardee's signature made-from-scratch biscuits as a competitive differentiator. Prospective franchisees should thoroughly review the FDD and conduct comprehensive market analysis before investment commitment.
Financing partners
Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees
Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.
FranFund
CRF USA
Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.
First Bank of the Lake
Pension Pros
FDD Item 7
Initial investment range
Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $688,000 to $1,143,000. The midpoint $915,500 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.
FDD Item 19
Average gross sales
According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Hardee's has an average gross revenue of $1M. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)
Growth over time
Franchise footprint
2024 Franchise Disclosure
FDD documents
Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Hardee's's 2024 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.
Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.
Buyer FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The initial investment for a Hardee's franchise typically ranges between $688,000.00 and $1,143,000.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.
Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
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