CKE Restaurants, Inc.

Happy New Year from CKE Restaurants and iconic global restaurants brands Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s! This year at Carl’s Jr., we leaned into our craveable flavors and bold, audacious brand personality with new advertising and creative campaigns, new core menu items like the cult favorite El Diablo burger and celebrity influencer partnerships. At Hardee’s, we embraced our brand anthem of “Goodness in the Making,” our commitment to quality ingredients, value and abundance, exceptional guest experiences and pride in the communities we call home. Across both brands, we’re thankful to have amazing guests, teams and partners. We’re looking forward to an even better 2025, and can't wait to see you in our restaurants very soon.

There are few things in life that evoke the warmth and nostalgia of the holidays like the scent of a freshly baked Hardee’s Cinnamon ‘N’ Raisin Biscuit. To celebrate its much-anticipated return, we treated some of the biscuits' most passionate fans to a special surprise: a limited-edition candle capturing that delicious aroma. Launched exclusively on Hardee’s Instagram, the 100 candles disappeared in under an hour, snapped up by our fastest-thumbed followers. It’s a testament to the love for this seasonal favorite and the goodness it brings along with it. Here’s to celebrating the little moments that make the holidays special!

In 1941, Carl N. and Margaret Karcher borrowed $311 against their automobile, and Margaret added another $15 from her purse, to purchase a hot dog cart. Today, the Carl's Jr. brand operates more than 1,000 restaurants across the U.S. and has a presence in 24 countries worldwide. For his visionary entrepreneurship and leadership, Carl N. Karcher was posthumously inducted into the Orange County Hall of Fame this week, with family, friends and longtime team members in attendance for the ceremony. Of the honor, son Carl Leo Karcher said, "I thank the Orange County Supervisors for inducting my dad into the Hall of Fame. He was a great leader for his family, employees and franchisees, and we miss him dearly.”

Exciting news from Tampico, Mexico this week, where Carl’s Jr. celebrated its 400th restaurant opening in the country! For more than 30 years, our international team has been dedicated to bringing the craveable flavors Carl’s Jr. is known for around the world to Mexico, and this is just the beginning. A big shoutout to our amazing Mexico operations team, led by Julio Luis S., our dedicated franchise partners, and of course, our loyal guests – this milestone wouldn’t be possible without you. Here’s to the delicious moments ahead. 🎉🍔

Nothing says goodness quite like scratch-made biscuits, friendly football rivalries and giving back to those in need. In that spirit, Hardee's has announced it’s teaming up with Atlanta-based nonprofit Caring For Others to serve those just beginning to recover from recent hurricanes. On November 16, our teams will come together for a tailgate-style fundraiser for hurricane relief at Hardee’s just outside of Athens, Ga. alongside multi-platinum entertainer Thomas Rhett who is known for his philanthropic efforts across the southeast, and for being a long-time University of Georgia football fan. For those local to the event, we encourage you to come out and share in some food, fun and community as we work to support those who need us most in this moment. Learn more about our partnership and the event here: https://lnkd.in/gSFyp3aG.

From our restaurants around the world, to our restaurant support center in Franklin, Tenn, CKE is proud to work alongside veterans and support veterans causes year round. Thank you to everyone who's served this Veterans Day, from our family to yours.

Earlier this month, Hardee’s corporate and franchise leaders gathered for the 2024 Independent Hardee’s Franchise Association conference in Las Vegas. The annual event provides an opportunity to learn, grow and celebrate team and individual successes and plan for an even stronger 2025. Conference highlights included crowing 2024 Biscuit Baker Champion Heather Holthaus and giving back to our non-profit partners as part of the 2024 Stars for Heroes Campaign. Thanks to everyone for a great event and another great year of partnership. #GoodnessintheMaking

Who doesn’t love a down-home brunch and Made-from-Scratch Biscuits? This year, Hardee’s was a proud sponsor of the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, hosted right here in our hometown of Franklin, TN. Alongside can’t-miss performances, Hardee’s was on site with free biscuits for new and existing My Rewards loyalty program members all weekend and samples of cold brew and Cinnamon ‘N’ Raisin Biscuits to Sunday crowds. Hardee’s also hosted a VIP sweepstakes, giving one lucky winner the opportunity for an “Eat & Greet” with Country Star Lukas Nelson. Thanks to our brand and culinary teams for representing us with goodness and pride and to the Pilgrimage Team for an amazing event.

This season, nothing is spookier than getting ghosted. Whether your potential employer or supposed best friend has cut off contact, or you’re feeling the guilt of ghosting someone yourself, we have just the solution to lift your spirits with Carl’s Jr.’s new limited-time burger – The Ghost. While a burger with face-melting ghost pepper cheese and soul-scorching sauce is enough to satisfy heat-seeking cravings, we’re giving our guests some extras, too. Brand fans have the chance to get in on the fun by bringing their bold, audacious selves front and center to share their ghosting stories to social media for a chance to win free food and swag. Learn more about The Ghost and the #GhostMode campaign here: https://lnkd.in/g4UPwr5R?

Last week, leaders from across the Carl's Jr. brand met in Salt Lake City for the Star Franchise Association conference. The SFA conference brings together franchise groups, CKE teams and vendors annually to discuss common goals, celebrate successes, and get geared up for the growth opportunities ahead. The collaboration and shared experiences throughout the week have left our teams feeling energized and ready to keep creating the bold experiences our guests crave!