Carl's Jr. and Hardee's have become the first major quick-serve restaurants to offer Monster Energy drinks as a permanent menu item. CKE Restaurants Inc., parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, has partnered with Monster Beverage Co., a division of Hansen Natural Corp., to offer the popular Monster drink in more than 3,000 restaurants throughout the United States.
Carl's Jr. is immediately offering Monster Energy drinks in all company and franchise units. Hardee's company-owned units will begin selling Monster Energy in mid-August, with franchised units joining later.
"This partnership provides increased availability of Monster Energy for our consumers at Carl's Jr. and Hardee's restaurants nationwide," said Mark Hall, president of Monster Beverage Co. "Our unique approach to marketing through action sports sponsorships and music lends itself to a successful partnership with Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, both of which are respected, innovative brands that serve similar core consumers."
The announcement of the new offering follows that of regional brand Krystal's debut of its own proprietary blended energy drink, Krystal Blitz. The Blitz is a blend of Sprite, lemon berry flavoring and energy enhancements and available as a fountain or frozen drink.
