CARPINTERIA, Calif. — CKE Restaurants Inc.'s Carl's Jr. and Hardee's brands have reported an increase of 1.7 percent in blended same-store sales for the year ended Jan. 26, the sixth consecutive year of positive blended same-store sales, the company has announced. Period 13 blended same-store sales were up 0.1 percent, compared to a 1.5 percent decrease in the same period last year.
Hardee's
For the fourth quarter, Hardee's same-store sales increased 1.5 percent, compared to a 0.4 percent increase in the same quarter last year. During the quarter, Hardee's featured its Little Thickburgers, a quarter-pound sized version of the brand's standard one-third pound Thickburger.
Hardee's Period 13 comps were up 0.7 percent versus a 1.8 percent decrease in the same period last year. Hardee's also introduced the Chicken Parmesan sandwich Jan. 19 and continued to feature the Ham & Three Cheese Breakfast Burrito and Country Potatoes during breakfast.
For the year, Hardee's comps increased 1.2 percent, compared to a 2.0 percent increase in the previous year, the chain's third consecutive year of positive comps and the fifth annual positive comps increase in the past six years, according to a news release.
Carl's Jr.
Carl's Jr. comps for the quarter were down 0.6 percent versus a 1.4 percent increase in the same quarter last year. Period 13 comps fell 0.2 percent, versus a 1.3 percent decrease in the same period last year. During the period, Carl's Jr. promoted the Charbroiled Steak Sandwich and Big Country Breakfast Burrito.
For the year, Carl's Jr. recorded comps were up 2.1 percent, up from last year's 0.9 percent increase, the brand's ninth consecutive year of positive same-store sales.
CKE CEO Andrew F. Puzder said southern California's cooler, wetter weather impacted Carl's Jr.'s sales for the fourth quarter. "In addition, a decline in consumer spending combined with our competitors' deep discounting strategies has impacted sales at both brands. We have declined to engage in such deep discounting to maintain our premium quality food positioning and our profitability."
For the fourth quarter, consolidated revenue from company-operated restaurants was approximately as follows:
- Carl's Jr. $142.4 million
- Hardee's $108.0 million
- Total $250.4 million
