Hardee's
Burgers- 2023 Franchise 500 Rank
-
#108 Ranked #127 last year
- Initial investment
-
$1.3M - $2.1M
- Units as of 2022
-
2,153 3% over 3 years
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!
Company Overview
About Hardee's
Business Overview
- Franchising Since
- 1962 (2023-1962 years)
- # of employees at HQ
- 475
- Where seeking
-
This company is offering new franchisees worldwide.
This company is offering new franchisees in the following US states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
- # of Units
- 2,153 (as of 2022)
Information for Franchisees
Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Hardee's franchise.
Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees
Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.
-
Initial Franchise Fee
Information Circle - $25,000
-
Initial Investment
Information Circle - $1,252,000 - $2,131,000
-
Net Worth Requirement
Information Circle - $1,000,000
-
Cash Requirement
Information Circle - $300,000
-
Royalty Fee
Information Circle - 4%
-
Ad Royalty Fee
Information Circle - 5.5%
-
Term of Agreement
Information Circle - 20 years
- Is franchise term renewable?
- Yes
Financing Options
Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.
- Third Party Financing
- Hardee's has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll
Training & Support Offered
Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.
- On-The-Job Training
- 400 hours
- Classroom Training
- 51 hours
- Ongoing Support
-
NewsletterMeetings & ConventionsToll-Free LineGrand OpeningOnline SupportSecurity & Safety ProceduresField OperationsSite SelectionProprietary SoftwareFranchisee Intranet Platform
- Marketing Support
-
Co-op AdvertisingAd TemplatesNational MediaRegional AdvertisingSocial MediaSEOWebsite DevelopmentLoyalty Program/App
Operations
Additional details about running this franchise.
- Is absentee ownership allowed?
- No
-
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
Information Circle - No
-
Can this franchise be run part time?
Information Circle - No
-
Are exclusive territories available?
Information Circle - Yes
Interested in ownership opportunities like Hardee's? Request a free consultation with a Franchise Advisor now.
Franchise 500 Ranking History
Compare where Hardee's landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.
Additional Rankings
Curious to know where Hardee's ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.
Ranked #108 in 2023
Entrepreneur’s 44th annual Franchise 500® ranking shines a light on the unique challenges and changes that have shaped the franchise industry over the last year—and how franchisors have adapted and evolved to meet them.
Ranked #35 in 2023
Top Global Franchises
Ranked #4 in Hamburgers in 2022
Our annual list of the top restaurant and other food franchises, divided up by category, is the perfect place to start if you’re craving a food-based business opportunity.
Sign Up for Our Franchise Newsletter
Stay up to date on the latest news and trends affecting the franchise industry.
Related Franchises
Are you eager to see what else is out there? Browse franchises that are similar to Hardee's.
Related Franchise Content
Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.
Why a Strong Chief Financial Officer Is Crucial for Your Franchise — and What to Look for When Hiring One
A successful private equity transaction for your franchise business means bringing on the right strategic thought partner.
What Makes Ellie Mental Health a Top New & Emerging Franchise
CEO Erin Pash was skeptical of using franchising to expand her mental health business at first, but now she's seen the positive impact it can have
The Real Cost of Franchising Your Business
Franchising can be a low-cost way to expand your brand — but it's not no cost. Here's what to keep in mind.
Understanding the Basics of Franchising Your Business
Is franchising right for you? Unlock your business's potential and learn where to start.
How to Evaluate Whether a Franchise Opportunity is Right for You
Buying a franchise is a significant investment, so don't rush the process.
How to go From Aspiring Entrepreneur to Successful Franchisee in 9 Steps
Ready to become a franchise owner? Use this checklist to get started.