News

Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s facilitate a Paris Hilton comeback

July 29, 2014

Carl's Jr. and Hardee's TV spot for the new Texas BBQ Thickburger pays homage to Paris Hilton's 2005 commercial for the brands, titled "I love Paris." The newest installment features a Texas twist on the original, which featured Hilton in a bikini, with a burger and a Bentley, according to a news release.

CMO Brad Haley said the Hilton Hotels heiress and reality TV star is the one who started the brands' signature commercials, which feature female models eating indulgent menu offerings.

"When Paris' original ‘I Love Paris' ad debuted in 2005, the worldwide reaction was overwhelming; so much so that the longer-form Director's Cut of the ad crashed our servers when it was posted on our website. It really still stands as one of the most iconic ads of the last decade so we're thrilled to be working with her again on an ad that's sure to be one of the most iconic commercials of the next decade," Haley said.

The new ad is titled "I Love Texas" and was created by 72andSunny. It is directed by Chris Applebaum, who directed the 2005 spot with Hilton.

Sports Illustrated model and swimsuit issue "Rookie of the Year" finalist Hannah Ferguson also stars as the newest spokesmodel for the chains. The spot opens with Ferguson eating a Texas BBQ Thickburger while washing her pick-up truck. Hilton then enters the scene in her Bentley to reprise her 2005 role.

The ad also features a re-recording of Cole Porter's "I Love Paris" from the original ad, performed as "I Love Texas."

Check out the spot: