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Carl's Jr., Hardee's win Turkey Foundation award

February 17, 2012

CKE Restaurants' Carl's Jr. and Hardee's was given the National Turkey Federation's 10th Annual Turkey on the Menu (TOM) Award in the quick-service category for their turkey burger launch in March.

John Koncki, CKE's director of Research and Development, accepted the award Feb. 16 during NTF's annual convention in Tampa, according to MeatandPoultry.com.

CKE Restaurants Inc. was credited for being the first national QSR chain to add turkey burgers to its permanent menu.

CKE partnered with Matt Gould, co-author of the Eat This, Not That! book series, and Men's Health Magazine to produce five varieties of charbroiled turkey burgers: traditional, teriyaki, guacamole, mushroom Swiss and BBQ ranch.

The chains were nominated by AdvancePierre Foods, which supplies turkey patties to the company.

NTF members nominated foodservice chains they felt exemplified the criteria of the TOM Award. Each entry is then judged on consumer appeal, versatility, taste, value and how the turkey applications benefit the chain operation.

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