News

Hardee's brand returns to the Northeast

September 30, 2013

CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc. has announced plans to bring the Hardee's brand back to select Northeast markets, beginning with New Jersey and New York. Connecticut and Massachusetts are also on the radar with restaurants opening within the next 12 to 18 months in all four markets.

Before it was bought by CKE in 1997 Hardee's operated restaurants in the Northeast, but all had closed by the 1990s, according to a news release.

"It's a massive advance into prime territory and a tremendous opportunity for a highly anticipated return," said Jim Sullivan, senior vice president of domestic franchise development for CKE. "We've heard from residents all across the region for years, begging us to bring our food back to them. We just needed the right partner."

The expansion will be done under the leadership of franchisee Bhupen "Bob" Patel.

"I was in search of a better burger brand to support and grow, and as soon as I learned there was interest and the potential to reopen Hardee's here in the Northeast, I knew I had found what I was seeking," Patel said.

The company said potential exists to open some 200 Hardee's restaurants in the region in the next five years and ultimately 1,000-plus throughout the Northeast. The standalone units will average 2,500- to- 2,750 square feet each, and they will include drive-thru service.

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