Hardee's Beefs Up Breakfast with New Country Fried Steak 'N' Gravy Platter

St. Louis, MO  (RestaurantNews.com)  A country fried steak ladled with sausage gravy has been a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast staple for generations, but has rarely, if ever, found its way onto fast food menus…until now. Starting today, Hardee’s^® is introducing the Country Fried Steak ‘N’ Gravy Breakfast Platter, complete with a breaded beefsteak smothered in sausage gravy, Hash Rounds^®, eggs and a famous Made from Scratch™ Buttermilk Biscuit.

“Hardee’s has had a lot of success over the years introducing menu items that can usually only be found at traditional sit-down restaurants and the new Country Fried Steak ‘N’ Gravy Platter continues that fine tradition at breakfast,” said Brad Haley, chief marketing officer for Hardee’s. “We have offered several variations of Breakfast Platters in the past but this is the first to showcase one of the most craveable morning entrees of all, a Country Fried Steak with sausage gravy. While that alone is a delicious choice, we added all of your favorite breakfast sides, including eggs, potatoes and a Made from Scratch Biscuit for a complete meal. You definitely won’t leave hungry and at only $2.79, it’s a great deal for all that down-home goodness.”

The new Country Fried Steak ‘N’ Gravy Breakfast Platter is available at participating Hardee’s restaurants starting at just $2.79. Prices may vary by location.

About Hardee’s

Celebrating 50 years in the quick-service industry, Hardee’s Food Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. of Carpinteria, Calif. As of the end of Q3 of fiscal 2012, CKE Restaurants, Inc., through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,219 franchised, licensed or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 23 countries, including 1,292 Carl’s Jr. restaurants and 1,917 Hardee’s restaurants. For more information, or to find a Hardee’s near you, go to www.ckr.com or www.hardees.com. Hardee’s social media sites include www.facebook.com/hardees, www.twitter.com/hardees, and www.youtube.com/hardees.

Carl's Jr. Honors Founders by Offering $60,000 in Scholarships

Carpinteria, CA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Carrying on its commitment to advanced education, Carl’s Jr.^® is pleased to announce the commencement of its 13^th annual Carl N. and Margaret Karcher Founders’ Scholarship program. The scholarship application is now available online, at www.carlsjr.com/promotions. The submission deadline is Feb. 1, 2012.

Through the scholarship program, 60 deserving students will receive $1,000 each to the two- or four-year college or vocational school of their choice.

The scholarship program was established by the company founders to reward hardworking youths. Carl N. and Margaret Karcher started their company as a young married couple in 1941, believing they could earn success through their commitment to faith, service and hard work. Now, more than 70 years later, Carl’s Jr. is proud to honor the late founders’ commitment to the community.

“Carl Karcher was not only a great businessman but also a very compassionate man,” said Andrew F. Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., parent company of Carl’s Jr. “Carl said, ‘Whenever you’re successful, you owe it to the people in the community.’ The Founders’ Scholarship program is part of our ongoing efforts to give back to people in the communities throughout the West who have helped Carl’s Jr. succeed over the past 70 years.”

Scholarship winners will be selected based on academic record, school and community leadership and participation, work experience and future goals. Financial need and other family circumstances also will be considered. In economic tough times, scholarship programs like this are invaluable to the community. Giving back to hardworking youths in need is part of the core value structure of Carl’s Jr.

Applicants for the Carl N. and Margaret Karcher Founders’ Scholarship must be high school seniors or graduates, age 21 or younger, who are planning to enroll for the first time at an accredited two- or four-year college or vocational school. Applicants must be residents of the states in which Carl’s Jr. operates restaurants: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah or Washington.

Since the inception of the program in 1999, Carl’s Jr. has granted $510,000 in scholarships. This year’s scholarships will help push that total to nearly $600,000.

Complete information about the Carl N. and Margaret Karcher Founders’ Scholarship application process and a downloadable application are available only on the Carl’s Jr. website, at www.carlsjr.com/promotions.

The Carl N. and Margaret Karcher Founders’ Scholarship is administered by Scholarship Management Services^®, a division of Scholarship America^®. Scholarship Management Services is the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals. Employees, affiliates and franchisees of Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., Scholarship America, affiliated agencies, and their immediate families are not eligible to receive a scholarship pursuant to this program.

About Carl’s Jr.

Carl’s Jr. is celebrating 70 years in the quick-service industry. What began as a lone hot dog cart in Los Angeles, Calif. in 1941 is today a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. of Carpinteria, Calif. As of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company, through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,219 franchised, licensed or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 23 countries, including 1,292 Carl’s Jr. restaurants and 1,917 Hardee’s^® restaurants. For more information, or to find a Carl’s Jr. near you, go to www.carlsjr.com. Carl’s Jr. social media sites include www.facebook.com/carlsjr, www.twitter.com/carlsjr and www.youtube.com/carlsjr.

When it comes to the fast-food restaurant sector, hamburgers reign supreme and that highly competitive business is getting a little more crowded in Canada. California-based Carl’s Jr. is expanding north, with its first location open in Kelowna, B.C., and up to 450 more locations planned across Canada.

“We’re very active now in our entry plans,” says Ned Lyerly, a spokesman for Carl’s, the iconic hamburger chain founded by Carl Karcher and his wife, Margaret, in 1941. Operated by CKE Restaurants, which also owns Hardee’s, Carl’s Jr. began as a lone hotdog cart in Los Angeles in 1941 and operates in 23 countries.

“It’s a green light for us all the way and we think we’re going to do quite well.”

Continue reading . . .

CKE Announces Additional Expansion in New Zealand with Restaurant Brands Agreement

Carpinteria, CA  (RestaurantNews.com)  CKE Restaurants announced today a partnership with Restaurant Brands New Zealand Limited to build and operate Carl’s Jr. restaurants in New Zealand, adding to Restaurant Brands’ current stable of KFC, Pizza Hut and Starbucks Coffee businesses.

Under the terms of the development agreement with CKE, Restaurant Brands has the exclusive development rights to build restaurants in New Zealand, complementing the existing franchisee Forsgren NZ Limited’s development rights to build a limited number of restaurants in Auckland. Restaurant Brands is familiar with these shared arrangements working with independent franchisees in its other brands.

“Achieving scale and growth within a country is a key to success, so we are very pleased to partner with experienced operators like Restaurant Brands,” said Andy Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants. “They understand the value of building strong brands, and have a track record to prove it.”

Russel Creedy, CEO of Restaurant Brands, knows that New Zealand’s discerning consumers have a huge appetite for the best-in-class, premium-quality burgers from Carl’s Jr., adding, “The made-fresh-to-order products, partial table service, all-you-can-drink beverages and the best quality product in our segment are unparalleled in the quick-service category.”

Restaurant Brands plans to open its first Carl’s Jr. restaurant by mid-year 2012 with additional restaurant openings targeted by the end of their next financial year.

“We’re excited to build on the success we have already established in the market with our first two Carl’s Jr. restaurants,” said Ned Lyerly, executive vice president of CKE’s international group. ”We’ve received terrific response from satisfied guests in Auckland and look forward to bringing Carl’s Jr. fare to guests across New Zealand.”

CKE’s restaurant network has expanded to 3,219 restaurants with annual sales of US$ 3.4 billion. CKE continues to place a major emphasis on expanding its international operations, with more than 400 restaurants in Mexico, the Middle East, Asia, Russia and Latin America.

About CKE Restaurants

CKE Restaurants, Inc. is a privately held company headquartered in Carpinteria, Calif. As of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company, through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,219 franchised, licensed or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 23 countries, including 1,292 Carl’s Jr.^® restaurants and 1,917 Hardee’s^® restaurants. For more information about CKE Restaurants, please visit www.ckr.com or its brand sites at www.carlsjr.com and www.hardees.com.

About Restaurant Brands

Restaurant Brands New Zealand Limited operates the New Zealand outlets of KFC, Pizza Hut and Starbucks Coffee. These brands – three of the world’s most famous – are distinguished for their product, look, style and ambience, service and for the total experience they deliver to their customers in New Zealand and around the world.

New Santa Fe Turkey Burger features green chili and Santa Fe sauce, yet still less than 500 calories

Carl's Jr. Expands Popular Turkey Burger Line In Time for the Holidays

Carpinteria, CA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Carl’s Jr.^®, the burger chain known for sit-down restaurant quality food and innovative menu items, announced today the expansion of its popular line of Charbroiled Turkey Burgers with the new Santa Fe Turkey Burger. The latest burger offers customers another delicious, decadent and surprisingly low-calorie alternative to the chain’s famous big beef burgers, and is now available at most Carl’s Jr. locations in California, Colorado, Idaho and Oregon.

The line of Charbroiled Turkey Burgers was launched earlier this year as a collaboration with the editors of “Men’s Health” and the creators of the bestselling Eat This, Not That! brand. Like the original Charbroiled Turkey Burger, Teriyaki Turkey Burger, and Guacamole Turkey Burger, the Santa Fe Turkey Burger has less than 500 calories.

“The initial success of the Carl’s Jr Charbroiled Turkey Burgers was not a big surprise to us, but the continuing popularity of the line over the better part of the past year has been a very pleasant one,” said Brad Haley, chief marketing officer for CKE Restaurants, Inc., parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s^®. “So, we naturally wanted to expand the line, while still maintaining the goal of offering a truly delicious and decadent burger for less than 500 calories, and the new Santa Fe Turkey Burger does that in a big way. The big, bold tastes of the sliced green chili, pepper-Jack cheese, and our spicy Santa Fe sauce on a charbroiled, quarter-pound turkey patty makes a great-tasting and filling burger that just happens to be only 490 calories. Now you don’t have to feel like you’re sacrificing at all in order to shed a few pounds after, or even before, the holidays.”

The Santa Fe Turkey Burger features a charbroiled Turkey Burger patty, tasty Santa Fe sauce, pepper-Jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and sliced green chili all served on a toasted, honey wheat bun. The Santa Fe Turkey Burger is available as an entrée for $3.49, or ordered as a combo meal with fries and a drink for $5.99. Prices may vary.

Stay tuned to both Facebook (www.facebook.com/carlsjr) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/carlsjr) for the latest information on the newest addition to the menu at Carl’s Jr.

About Carl’s Jr.

Carl’s Jr. is celebrating 70 years in the quick-service industry. What began as a lone hot dog cart in Los Angeles, Calif. in 1941 is today a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. of Carpinteria, Calif. As of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company, through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,219 franchised, licensed or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 23 countries, including 1,292 Carl’s Jr. restaurants and 1,917 Hardee’s restaurants. For more information, or to find a Carl’s Jr. near you, go to www.carlsjr.com. Carl’s Jr. social media sites include www.facebook.com/carlsjr, www.twitter.com/carlsjr and www.youtube.com/carlsjr.

Carl's Jr. Brings Premium-Quality Burgers to Costa Rica

Carpinteria, CA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Costa Rica is the latest country to enjoy the premium-quality burgers of Carl’s Jr.® Parent company, CKE Restaurants, Inc., announced the opening of three Carl’s Jr. restaurants in Costa Rica earlier this month. Located in and around the capital city of San Jose, the restaurants are operated by Gold Star Burgers S.A., who have the exclusive development rights to Costa Rica.

“We are very pleased to have Gold Star Burgers S.A. as part of our CKE team. Latin America is a critical component of our international expansion goals and the premium burgers offered at Carl’s Jr. will be a perfect fit in these markets,” said Andrew F. Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants. “We currently have a very strong position in Mexico where we operate more than 130 stores. This positions us well for further expansion in Latin America.”

“The opening in Costa Rica marks the 24th country in which we operate,” added Puzder. “I look forward to continuing to expand both the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s® brands internationally.”

“Costa Rica has welcomed Carl’s Jr. with open arms,” said Andrés Fachler, director general of Gold Star Burgers S.A. “We have been looking forward to this for a long time. The big, delicious burgers, the variety of the menu and welcoming atmosphere in our restaurants are sure to win fans across the country.”

“The Carl’s Jr. menu is impossible to resist,” Fachler said. “Everyone can find something on there to satisfy their cravings, from charbroiled burgers to chicken sandwiches, fries and shakes, all made to order. It’s all delicious, and a great value. We believe that Carl’s Jr. will stand out from any other fast food in Costa Rica.”

Currently, between its Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s brands, CKE franchises 412 international restaurants with locations in Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Russia, Turkey, New Zealand, American Samoa, Canada, Kazakhstan and throughout the Middle East.

About Carl’s Jr.

Carl’s Jr. is celebrating 70 years in the quick-service industry. What began as a lone hot dog cart in Los Angeles, Calif. in 1941 is today a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. of Carpinteria, Calif. As of the end of Q2 fiscal 2012, CKE, through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,202 franchised, licensed or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 24 countries, including 1,278 Carl’s Jr. restaurants and 1,914 Hardee’s restaurants. For more information on CKE, go to www.ckr.com, or Carl’s Jr. at www.carlsjr.com. Carl’s Jr. social media sites include www.facebook.com/carlsjr, www.twitter.com/carlsjr and www.youtube.com/carlsjr.

Contact

CKE Restaurants
Beth Mansfield
805-745-7741
bmansfield@ckr.com

Hardee's Gets RedHot with New Buffalo Chicken Tenders and Sandwich

Hardee’s is turning up the heat this holiday season and expanding its popular line-up of Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders and Chicken Fillet Sandwiches with the new Buffalo-flavored options. Now available at all Hardee’s locations, the Chicken Tenders and Chicken Fillet Sandwich are freshly prepared, battered and breaded by-hand in each and every restaurant throughout the day, then dipped in Frank’s RedHotSauce, the original, and still the best, Buffalo wing sauce.

“Our customers definitely appreciate the taste and quality of our Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders and Sandwiches because they’re made the way you’d make them at home…if you had the time and the energy, that is,” said Brad Haley, chief marketing officer for Hardee’s. “So, we wanted to kick them up a notch in time for the holidays with the authentic taste of Buffalo chicken wings by dipping them in that one-of-a-kind Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce. Some places will squirt a Buffalo-style sauce on chicken sandwiches and strips and call them ‘Buffalo’ but if you don’t use Frank’s and you don’t dip them to coat every nook and cranny with sauce, you’ll never get that true tangy burn that make Buffalo wings popular around the globe.”

The Hand-Breaded Buffalo Chicken Sandwich features a hand-breaded chicken breast fillet, dipped in a buttermilk and egg batter, dusted with seasoned flour, fried to a golden perfection, smothered in Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce and topped with tomato, red onion and buttermilk ranch dressing on a seeded bun. It is available for $4.19 as an entrée or $6.19 as a combo with Natural Cut French Fries and a beverage. Prices may vary.

Hand-Breaded Buffalo Chicken Tenders are made with all-white-meat chicken breast tenderloins, or “tenders,” and are also dipped in a buttermilk and egg batter, rolled in seasoned flour, fried to a perfect golden brown color and crispy texture and smothered in Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce. Hand-Breaded Buffalo Chicken Tenders are sold in 3-piece and 5-piece orders for $3.49 and $5.19, respectively, with buttermilk ranch dipping sauce. They can also be ordered in a combo meal with fries and a drink. Prices may vary.

The Hand-Breaded Buffalo Chicken Tenders and Sandwich are available at participating Hardee’s locations, and will also be available at sister chain, Carl’s Jr., in select locations mid-December.

The new Hand-Breaded Buffalo Chicken Tenders and Sandwich will be supported by a new advertising campaign that humorously conveys the special goodness of hand-breading Chicken Tenders from agency of record, Los Angeles-based David & Goliath.

Free Biscuit Day Coming to Carl's Jr. Restaurants in Southern California

Carl’s Jr. is now offering Hardee’s Made From ScratchBiscuits at more than 300 restaurants in Southern California (in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties).

To celebrate the arrival of Hardee’s Made From Scratch Biscuits, Carl’s Jr. restaurants throughout the region will host Free Biscuit Day on the morning of Wed., Nov. 16. Dine-in breakfast customers can get a free Sausage Biscuit during breakfast hours. No purchase is necessary; one per guest, who must be present, while supplies last.

Long a staple at sister-brand Hardee’s, the signature Made from Scratch Biscuits have been helping folks of all ages across the Southeast and Midwest rise and shine for more than 30 years. The world has changed a lot since the mid-1970s, but not Hardee’s biscuits. Today at Carl’s Jr. they’re still made fresh daily by dedicated biscuit bakers who arrive to work in the early-morning hours to prepare and roll the dough by hand, and bake the biscuits to their signature fluffy texture and golden-brown color. Even after pulling the hot biscuits from the oven, the biscuit bakers check temperature, height and weight of the biscuits, ensuring that only perfect Made From Scratch Biscuits are served.

“Hardee’s customers have been enjoying Made From Scratch buttermilk Biscuits for generations,” said Brad Haley, chief marketing officer at CKE Restaurants, Inc., parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. “So, about two years ago we began testing their appeal in Carl’s Jr. markets in the West, but it was a very big undertaking, requiring new equipment and intensive training since there is as much art as there is science to making great-tasting biscuits from scratch. Fortunately, the previous test markets did very well so Carl’s Jr. customers in the L.A. area can now enjoy real Southern biscuits every morning with eggs, cheese and their choice of sausage, ham or bacon.”

Carl’s Jr. restaurants in the Los Angeles area were fitted with commercial ovens and dedicated biscuit preparation tables, and the restaurant staff received training from regional biscuit trainers who traveled to Hardee’s headquarters in St. Louis to hone their biscuit-making skills. A senior restaurant operations executive from Hardee’s was even moved to Los Angeles to oversee the roll-out of Made From Scratch Biscuits in the market. Today, the majority of the L.A.-area Carl’s Jr. restaurants are serving biscuits, with the remainder slated to be offering them by year’s end.

“Carl’s Jr. is already well known for sit-down restaurant-quality lunch and dinner menu items, like our line of 100% Black Angus beef Six Dollar Burgers, our Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes and Malts, and our Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders and Sandwiches,” added Haley. “The roll-out of our Made From Scratch buttermilk Biscuits now ensures that our breakfast menu will be viewed the same way by hungry diners throughout the Los Angeles area.”

Carl’s Jr. offers a variety of Made From Scratch buttermilk Biscuits starting at just $1.69, including the Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit, the Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit and the Ham, Egg & Cheese Biscuit. Guests can order any biscuit in a combo with Hash Brown Nuggets and Coffee, Orange Juice or a soft drink starting at $2.99. For diners who can’t make up their minds, there is the aptly named Monster Biscuit, featuring egg, sausage, bacon, ham and two pieces of cheese between a fluffy buttermilk biscuit. A Southern favorite, Biscuit ’N’ Gravy is also offered, as is a sweet Strawberry Biscuit. Prices may vary by location. Biscuits are only available during breakfast hours.

Hardee’s biscuit-centric breakfast day-part accounts for about 45 percent of overall sales, among the highest in the industry, while Carl’s Jr. breakfast sales account for only about 15 percent of overall sales. By comparison, Bloomberg speculates that industry behemoth McDonald’s does about 25 percent in breakfast sales, while foodservice consumer research firm Sandelman & Associates estimates that 10-11 percent of all fast-food sales are generated at breakfast. The premium-quality offering of Made From Scratch Biscuits will complement and expand the Carl’s Jr. breakfast menu that includes the unique Breakfast Burger and hearty breakfast burritos.

Made From Scratch Biscuits are currently available in other Carl’s Jr. markets, including Oklahoma, Utah, Texas, Bakersfield, Calif., Tucson, Ariz., and Spokane, Wash.

Carl's Jr. to Open 50th Restaurant in Texas

Carl’s Jr. will open its 50^th restaurant in the state this week and is celebrating with a series of free burger events.

“They say everything is bigger in Texas and we think the celebration of our 50^th Carl’s Jr. restaurant opening in the state should be no exception,” said Michael Murphy, president of CKE Restaurants, parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. “We will be giving away free burgers at various locations throughout the week to commemorate this accomplishment and celebrate the continued success of our expansion in Texas.”

“Texas has welcomed the Carl’s Jr. brand with open arms and we’ve quickly become known for our premium-quality food and outstanding service,” added Murphy. “We know there are a lot of burger brands in Texas, but our guests know what they want – a variety of big, charbroiled burgers, hand-breaded chicken and Made From Scratch Biscuits – and that’s exactly what we’re serving up every day.”

The festivities will kick-off Wednesday as the chain’s mobile food truck, the Star Diner, hosts pop-up “Burger Breaks” at various locations throughout the Dallas metro area. Each Burger Break is open to the public and will offer free samples of burgers, fries and drinks. Additionally, a live Wheel-of-Awesome will be on display and the chain’s mascot Happy Star will be present to give away t-shirts, coupons and more.

Time and locations of the Burger Breaks are as follows:

• Wednesday, Oct. 12, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Compass Bank at Southern Methodist University (6501 Hillcrest, Dallas).
• Thursday, Oct. 13, 9 – 11 p.m., Uptown at the corner of Lemmon and McKinney Avenues (3418 McKinney, Dallas).
• Friday, Oct. 14, 10 p.m. – midnight, The Granada Theatre (3524 Greenville Avenue, Dallas).

The milestone 50^th Carl’s Jr. restaurant is set to open at 6 a.m. Saturday, October 15 at 550 W. I-30 in Garland, Texas. In honor of the occasion, the first 50 guests who place an order inside the Garland Carl’s Jr. will receive a coupon for a free burger on their next visit.

The menu at Carl’s Jr. features a variety of signature items ranging from premium charbroiled hamburgers to hand-breaded chicken entrees and more. A long-time menu favorite, the Western Bacon Cheeseburger is made with two onion rings, tangy barbeque sauce and two strips of bacon. Unique breakfast items are also available and include Hardee’s Made from Scratch Biscuits, the Breakfast Burger and the Big Country Breakfast Burrito.

Evoking the kind of burger offered at upscale steakhouses, Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s today announced their newest creation, the Steakhouse Burgers. The Six Dollar Burger and Thickburger versions of the Steakhouse Burgers feature a charbroiled, 100% Black Angus beef patty with A.1. steak sauce, crumbled blue cheese, crispy onion strings, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise all on a seeded bun, and are available now at all Hardee’s

“Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s have been bringing sit-down-restaurant-quality burgers to fast-food customers for years now but this one really ups the ante,” said Brad Haley, chief marketing officer for Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. “We have tested a number of burgers with A.1. steak sauce, crumbled blue cheese or crispy onion strings in the past, but they never quite reached the level of a truly great burger that we require in order to introduce them nationwide. It wasn’t until we ran across a burger in a steakhouse with all three toppings combined that we knew we had found it. In fact, the resulting new Steakhouse Burgers garnered the highest consumer research scores we’ve ever seen in a test market. And, when we served them to our advertising agency, David&Goliath, for the first time, the creative team said they were so good they ‘tasted like they were made by the god of hamburgers,’ and that idea ended up being the basis for the advertising campaign.”

The advertising for Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s new Steakhouse Burgers will introduce Hamblor, the mythical god of hamburgers. The ad campaign by Los Angeles-based agency David&Goliath features the epic telling of how Hamblor created the Steakhouse Burgers. The 30-second TV spot shows Hamblor in his fabled kingdom firing onion strings from his powerful hands and making a blue cheese bust of himself crumble by using nothing but his mighty voice. The ad also features Hamblor’s adoring goddesses and his trusty, giant St. Bernard, carrying a cask of A.1. sauce around his neck. The commercial can be viewed on the brands’ YouTube channels.

The integrated Steakhouse Burgers introductions at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s will include the Kingdom of Hamblor digital sweepstakes starting September 26 to coincide with the ad campaign. Guests can visit www.Hamblor.com or the brands’ Facebook pages (www.facebook.com/carlsjr and www.facebook.com/hardees) to enter the contest daily for a chance to win free and discounted food prizes, Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s gift cards, and movie merchandise from the upcoming epic 3D action-adventure film Immortals. The final grand prize winner will receive a trip for two to the Hollywood premiere of Immortals in November. Fans can earn additional points for answering Hamblor, Steakhouse Burger and Immortals movie trivia questions, posting Hamblor-related information on their Facebook pages and recruiting additional friends to Hamblor’s Kingdom. Immortals (www.immortalsmovie.com) opens nationwide November 11 and is distributed by Relativity Media.

Hamblor will be popping up in Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants as well, with a 6-foot cutout image of the god of hamburgers at participating restaurant locations. Guests who snap their picture with Hamblor in the restaurant are encouraged to upload it to the brands’ Twitter feeds (www.twitter.com/carlsjr and www.twitter.com/hardees) with the hashtag #Hamblor.

For a limited time, 15-ounce retail bottles of A.1. Steak Sauce will feature the Steakhouse Burgers on the label with a link to a coupon for $1 off a Steakhouse Burger combo at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s.

CKE Restaurants, Inc. will present and exhibit at the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 32nd-Annual National Convention & Business Expo in Miami, on September 18-21. More than 3000 people are expected at this annual event honoring Hispanic entrepreneurship in America. The convention is the country’s largest networking venue for Hispanic businesses and Fortune 1000 corporations interested in the Hispanic market.

CKE Restaurants, parent company of fast food brands Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s will sponsor a business development workshop titled Franchise Opportunities – A Pathway To Financial Independence & Vibrant Communities. The CKE-sponsored workshop will allow attendees to learn from America’s leading franchisors and global brands, discussing what they are looking for in franchisees and what it takes to become a successful business owner in the franchise world. Conference attendees are encouraged to listen, learn, ask, meet & network with the best. Michael D’Arezzo, CKE Restaurants’ vice president of franchise sales, will lead the discussion along with Luis Farias, vice president of governmental affairs.

“CKE is committed to expanding our relationships in the Hispanic business community,” said Farias. “The entrepreneurial spirit that Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s were founded on is definitely alive and well, especially with Hispanic entrepreneurs. Our economy needs investment now more than ever. When someone invests in a franchise, they are helping to support the local community by creating jobs. This kind of local involvement as a franchise owner leads to economic growth by putting people to work and paves the way for future generations of local entrepreneurs.”

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States.

CKE Restaurants will open its first Carl’s Jr. restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand. This is the first of many Carl’s Jr. restaurants planned to open in New Zealand over the next five years. The restaurant is operated by Forsgren NZ Limited, a family business owned by Carl’s Jr. operator Barry Forsgren and his brother-in-law Michael Jones, former star of New Zealand’s national rugby team All Blacks.

“New Zealand is a great market for CKE’s continued international growth and a good fit for the Carl’s Jr. brand,” said Andrew F. Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc. “Forsgren NZ’s expertise in the market, understanding of customer satisfaction and commitment to premium quality in all aspects of the business should prove to be a successful combination in our newest market.”

“It is our great honor to introduce Carl’s Jr. into the New Zealand market and raise the standard of hamburger dining in the region by offering a restaurant-quality menu in a mature quick-service restaurant setting,” said Barry Forsgren, managing director of Forsgren NZ Limited. “We are confident that our delicious food and inviting environment will stand out among the competition and will win the hearts and taste buds of New Zealand consumers.”

“Carl’s Jr. has long been one of my favorite brands and I am sure it will be for many hungry New Zealanders who try it,” said Michael Jones, one of the most widely recognized sports icons in New Zealand and a shareholder in the family business of Forsgren NZ Limited. “We believe Carl’s Jr. will become the burger of choice for consumers looking for high-quality food in an up-market environment at quick-service prices.”

CKE Restaurants has strategic development plans to double its international presence to more than 700 restaurants within the next five years. Currently international units comprise approximately 12% of the CKE system with plans to grow to 20% in the next five years.

 Starbucks Coffee Company is growing exponentially around the world and to facilitate new growth the company has restructured its executive branches. The Starbucks Coffee International department that manages all international locations will be split into the Asia and Europe departments. New Presidents will be hired or promoted to manage the new divisions.

CKE Restaurants, parent company of Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr., is celebrating 70 years since founder Carl Karcher opened his first restaurant. July will be full of promotions, contests and giveaways for both chains. Karcher and his wife began with a  simple hot dog cart on July 17^th 1941 and the company now earns over $1.3 billion in profits each year.

Applebee’s is expanding menu options for diners who need a new dose of excitement in their next meal. The new Stacked, Stuffed & Topped entree options combine favorites like steak, grilled chicken and fresh veggies in new ways. The Parmesan Chicken Stack, Provolone Stuffed Meatballs with Fettuccine and Florentine Topped House Sirloin are all now on the national menu.

While large restaurant chains are forecasted to improve, restaurants in New York City are continuing to struggle. Recent research shows that revenues declined 1 percent for the city’s eateries and a total of 7 percent over the last three years. Restaurants owned independently saw the worst drops in profits. Independent operators don’t receive the same advertising support as franchises.

Due to customer demand classic burger chain Whataburger is bringing back the famous Patty Melt sandwich. The two beef patties served on Texas toast with melted cheese are now available, but will be gone again August 15^th. The sandwich was only introduced in 2008 but quickly became one of the most popular limited time menu items.

Fazoli’s, one of America’s favorite fast casual chains, is celebrating the return of another summer break by offering .99 cents meals for children this week. Each adult entree allows for the purchase of two child meals at the discounted price. Fazoli’s is a family friendly chain and was voted one of the top 10 menus for kids by Parents Magazine.

Modern Greek restaurant Opa is introducing a new lunch menu and is offering a free meal to guests who would like to try it out. On July 18^th guests can receive a traditional pressed Greek sandwich known as a Toast filled with ham and cheese. The meal will also include freshly cut oregano fries.

The newest Red Robin Gourmet Burgers restaurant will soon be open in the Lakewood Center Mall. This will bring yet another Red Robin location to Los Angeles, California. The new location opens its doors on July 25 and will give away free child identification kits as part of a partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

CKE Restaurants, Inc., and the Carl’s Jr. brand are commemorating the 70^th anniversary of its founding this month with celebrations, online giveaways and a look back at the fast-food chain’s rise from a single hot dog cart to a billion-dollar enterprise.

History

On his first day in the fast-food business, July 17, 1941, Carl N. Karcher took in $14.75. Last year, his namesake CKE Restaurants, Inc. earned revenues of more than $1.3 billion. The story of CKE Restaurants, and its flagship Carl’s Jr. restaurant chain, is the quintessential American success story. What began as one man’s entrepreneurial venture in 1941 has evolved into one of the most powerful entities in the quick-service restaurant industry.

It began in Los Angeles when an Ohio farmer’s son named Carl Karcher was rising before the sun each day to deliver baked goods. Seeing how well business was doing at one of his stops – a hot dog cart at the corner of Florence and Central – Carl and his wife, Margaret, made a leap of faith and borrowed $311 on their Plymouth automobile and added $15 in savings to purchase the business. From their newly purchased cart, they sold hot dogs, chili dogs and tamales for a dime, and soda for a nickel.

70^th Anniversary Highlights

To celebrate the long and successful history, Carl’s Jr. is rewarding customers and getting fans involved through a variety of social media channels. Guests who sign up to receive email offers from Carl’s Jr. (http://www.carlsjr.com/email_signup) by July 14 will receive an email with a printable coupon for a 70-cent Famous Star, redeemable one day only, Sunday, July 17.

“Carl’s Jr. has a rich history, loyal fans and an innovative spirit,” said Andrew F. Puzder, CEO for CKE Restaurants. “We’re proud to take a look back at our history and bring it to life in a modern way that gets fans involved in the celebration. We’re asking fans to share their stories and photos showing their favorite Carl’s Jr. memories.”

Online, fans can take a nostalgic tour on Carl’s Jr. social media sites. A 70th anniversary video can be viewed on the Carl’s Jr. YouTube channel, while vintage photos and memorabilia will be featured on the brand’s Facebook and Flickr pages. Fans are encouraged to post their photos, videos and fond memories of Carl’s Jr. as well. Followers on Twitter can win random giveaways including commemorative 70^th Anniversary T-shirts or free food items. Commemorative T-shirts, featuring the brand’s iconic Happy Star mascot through the years, are also available on The Wheel of Awesome.

A 70^th Anniversary party will be held Friday, July 15, on the corner of Florence and Central in Los Angeles, the site of Carl Karcher’s first hot dog cart. The Carl’s Jr. food truck, the Star Diner, will be on hand serving chili dogs, just as Karcher did on the same site 70 years ago. The celebration, to be held at 1020 E. Florence Ave, is open to the public and will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Andy Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants, members of the executive team, city officials and the Karcher family will be in attendance.

An additional celebration will be held on Sunday, July 17, at the site of Carl Karcher’s star on the Anaheim/Orange County Walk of Stars from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Anaheim, Calif. Members of the Karcher family, community dignitaries, Carl’s Jr. management and staff welcome fans and friends of the brand to help celebrate the 70th anniversary and remember its founder. The Star Diner food truck will once again be on hand serving chili dogs.

The Wendy’s/Arby’s Group has successfully sold the Arby’s chain to Roark Capital. The original company will be renamed The Wendy’s Company immediately. Roark Capital now owns over 20 franchise brands including Arby’s. The Wendy’s Company will retain a 18.5 common stock holding in the brand.

Golden Corral has added new seafood menu items to its expansive buffet line-up with the introduction of Pan Seared Scallops, Shrimp and Tilapia. New sauces to top your freshly cooked seafood include spicy Alfredo sauce, lemon piccata sauce and scampi sauce. For light and tasty sides you can pair linguine or rice pilaf.

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s once tried to appeal to young male consumers with sexy burger ads and cheaper foods, but now the chain is seeing improvement as it becomes more upscale. Focusing on higher quality menu items like turkey burgers has brought the parent company CKE Restaurants back into rising instead of falling sales and growth.

Asheville may be known for its food scene, but the town has had a standing ban on food trucks and mobile food services for the past 25 years. The Asheville Downtown Commission is hearing the arguments of both residents interested in food trucks and city center retailers that don’t want them. About 75% of residents polled were in favor of overturning the ban.

Chili’s $20 Dinner for Two menu proved to be very popular as the economic recession worsened. Now the chain is adding more options for diners who need an inexpensive night out. The Hatch Chile Cheeseburger, Chicken Club Quesadillas and Santa Fe Sizzling Skillet are all on the $20 menu. Two of the additions use the mild green Hatch chile for flavoring.

Sonic restaurants are celebrating July as both National Hot Dog Month and Ice Cream Month with new menu additions. The Baja Dog will be available for a limited time and features pepper jack cheese, jalapenos and onions over an all-beef frank. The Sundae Shakes mix top quality Classic Hot Fudge, Strawberry Dream and Turtle ice cream with milk.

Taco Bell is making improvements to attract customers to spend more time in each location. Free Wi-Fi will be added to all national locations by 2015. The chain also plans to install new television displays in restaurants that show a mix of sports, entertainment and news content.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine has named the Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar as one of the top 100 Best Wine Restaurants for 2011. The director of the restaurant’s wine menu also manages one of the biggest Spanish wine programs in America. The restaurant chain combines a lively tapas bar atmosphere with the warmth and intimacy of a wine bar.

Hot N Juicy Crawfish will open their newest location in Orlando, Florida on July 9^th. The chain features Louisiana style seafood dishes, and of course hot and fresh boiled crayfish. The chain built up a following at their Las Vegas and Washington D.C. locations. All Hot N Juicy Crawfish locations use only fresh local seafood or top quality ingredients that are flown in daily.

CKE Restaurants, Inc., today announced the opening of two Hardee’s restaurants in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This marks the first of at least 12 Hardee’s restaurants to be opened in Kazakhstan over the next five years. Hardee’s is the first major western quick-service hamburger chain to open in the market.

Americana Group S.A.K. operates these restaurants and is the second largest licensee in the CKE system with 215 Hardee’s restaurants throughout the Middle East and North Africa. CKE and the Americana Group have a successful 31-year relationship and plan continued growth in the Middle East and select Central and Western Asian countries.

“We have a long and successful history with the Americana Group and are confident that they will continue to use their expertise and passion for Hardee’s as they expand in new and existing markets,” said Andrew F. Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc. “Kazakhstan is a market with tremendous growth potential and we wanted to take this opportunity to employ a ‘first-mover’ strategy in our segment. In this regard, we are happy to introduce real, American-style charbroiled burgers to the market.”

The Americana Group currently operates Hardee’s in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman where they have established the Hardee’s brand as the place to go for quality food, innovative menu items and superior hospitality.

“The Americana Group has experienced great success with the Hardee’s brand in the Middle East and take pride in being the first hamburger QSR brand to enter the Kazakhstan market,” said Marzouk Al Kharafi, Chairman and Managing Director of Kuwait Food Company. “Hardee’s premium products and excellent service standards will deliver an ultimate dining experience to Kazakhstan consumers seeking an enhanced dining experience in a fast-food setting.”

CKE Restaurants has strategic development plans to double its international presence to more than 700 restaurants within the next five years. Currently international units comprise approximately 12% of the CKE system with plans to grow to 20% in the next five years.

The company that owns the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s fast-food chains is getting more healthy — and a little less skanky.

Stung by more than two years of dipping sales at the Carl’s Jr. restaurants, and with its target audience of young men disproportionately suffering from unemployment, CKE Restaurants Inc. is trying to expand its appeal.

It’s a change in direction that may be starting to pay off.

Led largely by the popularity of turkey burgers — a product that would have been heresy at Carl’s Jr. in past years — sales have been increasing at those restaurants, the company said Tuesday. And in a break from the past, near-naked women are nowhere to be found in the company’s latest ad campaign for a chicken sandwich — instead, it stars a robot.

Continue reading . . .

CKE Restaurants, Inc. and its Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants raised more than $1 million for military families and veterans during the spring fundraiser that launched Stars for Troops, the chains’ new charitable program. The three week in-store fundraising campaign harnessed the national reach of both brands and the generosity of its customers to rally behind the patriotic cause. The funds raised will assist military families and veterans through national charity partnerships with Homes for Our Troops and USA Cares.

The inaugural Stars for Troops fundraising campaign kicked off in early May at Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr., and ran for three weeks. To participate, restaurant guests donated $1 in support of military charities. For each $1 donation, guests received a commemorative “Stars for Troops” cut out to personalize and place on display in the restaurant; in addition, they received restaurant coupons valued at more than $10 to use toward future purchases.

“I am proud to announce that we raised more than $1 million in the inaugural Stars for Troops fundraising effort,” said Andrew F. Puzder, chief executive officer of CKE Restaurants. “Advocating for our military families and veterans is a cause close to my heart and the hearts of our CKE employees, our franchisees and guests. Our customers’ contributions will go toward building homes and providing basic necessities for our injured veterans, as well as providing them and their families with crucial financial and advocacy support. I’ve had the opportunity to shake the hands of those helped by Homes for Our Troops and USA Cares in the past several months and I’m pleased with the campaign’s tremendous success.”

“The funds raised in the Stars for Troops campaign will significantly help us to provide injured veterans and their families with homes that will help restore their freedom and independence,” said Dawn Teixeira, executive director for Homes for Our Troops. “Since 2004, Homes for Our Troops has committed to rebuilding the lives of 100 military families through the gift of a mortgage-free, specially adapted home. This commitment is set to be fulfilled in 2011. Thanks to the generosity of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s customers, we can look to building 100 more.”

“USA Cares has been working directly with active duty soldiers, veterans, Guard and Reserve members and their families every day since 2003,” said Bill Nelson, executive director of USA Cares. “The Stars for Troops campaign raised not only much-needed funds to support these families who have fallen between the cracks of the government support structure, but also improved public awareness of the thousands of brave men and women who sacrificed their health in the name of our freedom.”

Previous to Stars for Troops, CKE Restaurants helped raise more than $4.1 million over six years in support of breast cancer screenings and research – surpassing the $1 million mark in both 2009 and 2010. The idea for such a fundraising drive began with the Carl’s Jr. franchise group, the Star Franchise Association, in 2005. Hardee’s franchise group, the International Hardee’s Franchise Association, joined the fundraising program in 2007. CKE Restaurants is dedicated to an annual fundraising campaign, which raises money for a cause important to guests, franchisees, employees, and their families. It was these groups who helped choose the new campaign focus and subsequent beneficiaries.

The more than $1 million raised through the 2011 Stars for Troops fundraiser will directly support both local and national programs of Homes for Our Troops and USA Cares throughout the entire year. In addition, certain funds have been earmarked to benefit regional veterans and military groups with existing ties to individual Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurant communities.

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants, known for being industry leaders in innovative, premium-quality fast food, launched their newest menu item, the Hand-Breaded Chicken Fillet Sandwich. The sandwich, available now, is freshly prepared, battered and breaded by-hand in each and every restaurant throughout the day. It provides guests yet another sit-down restaurant quality lunch or dinner option at the chains’ locations across the country.

“As expected, our customers have come to appreciate the fact that our Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders taste so much better and fresher than the pre-cooked ones available at most fast-food restaurants,” said Brad Haley, chief marketing officer for Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. “So, it was a natural step for us to start making our chicken breast sandwiches the very same way, and the result is incredible. Battered and breaded by hand, our new Hand-Breaded Chicken Fillet Sandwich is big, thick and juicy, and tastes just like you would make it at home.

Haley added, “If you notice a pattern here, it’s because we have been trying to raise the food-quality levels in the fast food industry for a number of years now, and one of the main ways we do that at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s is by making food the old-fashioned way – from our Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes and Malts, to our Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, to Hardee’s Made from Scratch Biscuits. There aren’t even many sit-down restaurants that do that anymore. So, the Hand-Breaded Chicken Fillet Sandwich is certain to be a craveable new menu item in that fine tradition.”

The Hand-Breaded Chicken Fillet Sandwich features a hand-breaded chicken breast fillet, dipped in a buttermilk and egg batter, dusted with seasoned flour and then fried to a golden perfection and topped with tomato, lettuce and mayonnaise on a seeded bun. It is available for $3.99 as an entrée or $6.49 as a combo with fries and a drink. Prices may vary.

To support the positioning “machines can’t eat it, so machines shouldn’t make it,” the brands’ ad agency, Los Angeles-based David & Goliath, created a humorous 30-second TV spot, titled “Robot,” that depicts a dejected, life-size robot trying to indulge in a Hand-Breaded Chicken Fillet Sandwich without any luck because…he doesn’t have a mouth. The ad can be viewed on both brands’ YouTube channels (www.youtube.com/carlsjr and www.youtube.com/hardees). An additional 60-second commercial is also available online, which shows the robot destroying its apartment in frustration. Both spots were directed by Rocky Morton and include extensive special effects, lasers, pyrotechnics and more.

The robot was designed and created by Legacy Effects, a specialized robotic and creature design firm for films and commercials in Los Angeles. The robot was brought to life for the commercial through a combination of animatronics, specialized puppeteers, a robot-costumed actor, and of course, CGI special effects.

The “Robot” will also be appearing at participating Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants, as a 6-foot-tall cardboard replica of the character will be on display for guests to check-out and take photos with.

CKE Restaurants, Inc. announced today that Jove Franchise Development Corporation has opened the first Carl’s Jr. restaurant in Canada. This restaurant is located in Kelowna, British Columbia. and is the first of five Carl’s Jr. restaurants Jove plans to open and operate in Canada. CKE plans to open additional Carl’s Jr. restaurants as part of a larger expansion across Canada in the coming years.

CKE’s entry into Canada is part of a strategic plan to accelerate franchise development in international markets and to double CKE’s international presence to over 700 restaurants within the next five years. CKE currently has active franchise development agreements in Vancouver, British Columbia and is actively seeking qualified franchise candidates throughout Canada.

”We are very pleased to welcome Jove Franchise Development Corporation to the Carl’s Jr. franchise family. With our longstanding history of successfully operating the Carl’s Jr. brand in the Western United States, it was a natural progression to open the brand in Western Canada,” said Andrew F. Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc. “We are confident that the strength of our brand combined with Jove’s management expertise and passion for our brand will secure a bright future for Carl’s Jr. in the Canadian market.”

“We are very excited to launch Carl’s Jr. in Kelowna, Canada with our great partner CKE Restaurants. We are determined to make Carl’s Jr. the destination of choice for consumers seeking premium charbroiled hamburgers, premium facilities and exceptional service,” said John Dowling, President of Jove Franchise Development Corporation.

Currently, CKE franchises 374 international restaurants, or approximately 12% of its total restaurants, between both its Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s brands.

 McDonald’s saw a rise in global comparable sales of just over 3% this May. Asia, the Middle East and Africa all contributed the most with a 4.3% rise during the month. Sales in the U.S. rose 2.4%, and European sales grew by 2.3%. Systemwide sales increase by 12% during the same time. China, Russia and France created the majority of these sales.

Au Bon Pain is kicking off a national expansion push by first remodeling all of their existing cafes. This fast casual chain specializes in tasty cafe style foods served as quickly as possible. Most of the locations around New York City are completed, and the rest of the 318 restaurants will soon be finished as well. The remodel adds new equipment like a salad station and more vibrant colors.

White Castle is gearing up for their “Castles at the Capitol” event in Washington D.C. To celebrate the company’s 90^th anniversary White Castle will bring fresh sliders to the members of Congress. At lunch on June 14^th fresh burgers will be cooked by the top chefs with the company. During previous events Congress members have served burgers at local restaurants to their constituents.

The 2011/12 results for the Zagat Connecticut Dining Guide are now available. 902 restaurants were rated by over 4000 diners. Le Petit Cafe, located in Branford, was one of the top scorers with a 29 out of 30. Boathouse at Saugatuck won the Top Newcomer award and is located in Westport. Super Duper Weenie in Fairport was one of the Best Buys in the ratings as well.

You’ll need more than just a love of cooking to make a living in the restaurant industry. However, some people like Jennifer Vogel and Doreen Grontkowski turned their passion for fine cuisine into a successful business. These partners run the Learning Kitchen in Cincinnati where customers pay to learn how to prepare dishes like risotto.

Restaurant.com is highlighting seafood and fresh fish during their new “Behind the Menu” feature for June. Six restaurants that excel at foods featuring the bounty of the sea have been featured this month. These locations include J’s Crabshack in Connecticut, Shiro Restaurant in Michigan, and  Moshi Moshi Sushi in Washington state.

CKE Restaurants, the parent company of Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr., has promoted a new Chief Marketing Officer. Brad Haley is now in charge of all marketing and promotions for the company. He first joined the corporation in 2000 as the executive vice president of marketing. He also spent time working on marketing for a variety of consumer products and other fast service restaurants.

Good Time Restaurants is introducing a new frozen treat just in time for the hottest part of the summer. The Go Bananas! shake begins with a hand spun base made from freshly cooked frozen custard. This new shake joins the other flavors added last month including Chocolate Banana, Peanut Butter Banana and Strawberry Banana.

To appeal to time pressed executives, many fine dining establishments have created fast lunch programs. These meals offer a complete dining experience in under 30 minutes, guaranteed. Quickly prepare foods form the base of these meals, including fish, salads and other foods that can be prepared in advance.

Some of the biggest Top Chef contestants are coming to the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant. During the weekends in August Richard Blais, Harold Dieterle and Fabio Viviani will take turns planning the menu and cooking delicious foods for guests. The restaurant serves its food in a buffet format, allowing guests to eat as much as they’d like.

Brad Haley has been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer for CKE Restaurants, Inc., parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurant chains, CEO, Andrew F. Puzder announced today. Haley joined CKE as executive vice president of marketing for Hardee’s in 2000, and added responsibility for Carl’s Jr. marketing in 2004.

“Brad has been a key part of our executive management team at CKE for more than a decade,” said Puzder. “This promotion reflects the importance of his work, and the work of his team, for our brands. His leadership and expertise have been invaluable and his new title reflects that. The promotion is well deserved and as much a positive for our company as it is for Brad.”

Haley, 52, leads all facets of marketing for CKE including Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s brand positioning, advertising, product development, merchandising, sales analysis, marketing research, publicity, pricing, digital marketing and promotions. He recently directed the creative advertising agency review, selecting David&Goliath of Los Angeles after a three-month search. During his tenure at CKE, the brands have received numerous awards for both product innovation and advertising.

Before joining CKE, Haley’s experience included marketing stints in consumer packaged goods and at other quick-service restaurant concepts. While at Jack in the Box restaurants in the 1990s, Haley received the Brand Builder Award from Brandweek magazine for his work to help orchestrate the chain’s turnaround, following a devastating E. coli contaminated hamburger incident, with the launch of the “Jack’s Back” advertising campaign.

Haley received his bachelor’s degree in biology and master’s degree in business administration from Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, Calif.

CKE Restaurants, Inc. is a privately held company headquartered in Carpinteria, Calif. As of the end of fiscal 2011, CKE, through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,159 franchised, licensed or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 20 countries, including 1,249 Carl’s Jr. restaurants and 1,899 Hardee’s restaurants.

Carl’s Jr. has once again partnered with Coca-Cola to make everyone a winner – not just once, but twice. Following the smashing success of last year’s campaign, there will be some even BIGGER winners this year – including two who will walk away with $5,000 gift cards from a major electronics retailer!

The My Coke Rewards campaign launched this week at participating Carl’s Jr. restaurants. With the purchase of a large fountain drink or large combo, guests will receive a specially marked 42-ounce promotional cup that includes two offers: My Coke Rewards points that can be redeemed for cool stuff online; plus a peel-off coupon offer for a free or discounted item for the guest’s next Carl’s Jr. visit.

During the promotion, which runs through July 19 at Carl’s Jr. (and from July 25 to Sept. 18 at sister-brand Hardee’s), Coca-Cola will award more than 60 million My Coke Rewards points (up from 50 million last year), to be redeemed for a wealth of prizes – including the two grand prizes of $5,000 gift cards. Other prizes will include $100 gift cards and American Airlines travel certificates to anywhere in the U.S., Mexico and Caribbean.

With My Coke Rewards points on every cup, guests can collect points to redeem online at mycokerewards.com. The rewards pool is constantly updated, so keep checking back for the latest offerings.

“Everyone really does win with My Coke Rewards,” said Steve Lemley, senior vice president of marketing at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. “When our guests drink Coca-Cola, they will be rewarded with more than just that great refreshing taste; they’ll be able to score My Coke Rewards points and Carl’s Jr. food and beverage offers. We saw great success with the My Coke Rewards promotion last year and are very excited to start it up again this summer. This is another way for us to say thanks to our guests for coming in and for coming back.”

Launched in 2006 and now with over 16.4 million members, My Coke Rewards is the No. 1 beverage website in the United States. On average, 15,000 rewards are redeemed daily on the site, which is seen by 4.5 million unique visitors every month.

Hardee’s franchise owner Boddie-Noell Enterprises has received the 2011 Wilber Hardee Founder’s Award from Hardee’s parent company CKE Restaurants.

The prestigious award is named after the founder of Hardee’s and is awarded annually to the single Hardee’s franchise owner that best exemplifies and embodies the ideals of entrepreneurial spirit, vision, leadership, teamwork and community involvement.

The Founder’s award is a beacon among the awards given to franchisees at the annual CKE Franchise Conference. The award was presented to Boddie-Noell executives in attendance at the conference held this year in Las Vegas.

Boddie-Noell, the largest Hardee’s franchise owner in the United States with 335 locations, has been a Hardee’s franchisee for 49 years, beginning with a single restaurant in 1962 started by brothers Mayo and Nick Boddie in Fayetteville, N.C.

“We’re extremely proud of earning the Founder’s award which carries a lot of meaning for our own restaurant teams and the Hardee’s ‘family’ across the country,” said Boddie-Noell Chief Executive Officer Bill Boddie. “It’s special because the ideals were those established with the very first Hardee’s by founder Wilber Hardee in our home state of North Carolina.”

“It is an honor once again to recognize our franchisees’ hard work and dedication,” said Michael Murphy, President and Chief Legal Officer of CKE Restaurants, Inc. “The ongoing success of Hardee’s is in great measure the result of their individual efforts and their unified commitment to providing guests with the best food, service and dining experience in the industry. It is a genuine pleasure to be able to award Boddie-Noell our Founder’s Award as they truly demonstrate the principles and ideals on which this brand was founded. We hope that they inspire and motivate all of our owners and operators, and keep blazing trails toward even greater achievements in the future.”

Through the entrepreneurial spirit of the Boddies, second-generation family ownership and employee commitment, Boddie-Noell is among the top restaurant franchise companies in the nation. The company has taken a lead in Hardee’s franchise issues. Bill Boddie helped establish and served as president of the Independent Hardee’s Franchisee Association. The company has on occasion partnered with Hardee’s in the development of new menu items, most recently the introduction of the popular Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders which were developed in Boddie-Noell’s test kitchens.

In addition, Boddie-Noell’s Hardee’s restaurants have been actively involved in a number of charitable and philanthropic endeavors. The company’s 30-year partnership with Special Olympics Virginia is the longest corporate relationship in the organization’s history and resulted in contributions of more than $1 million since it began. Other long-term charitable beneficiaries include UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Boy Scouts of America.

CKE Restaurants, Inc., parent company to Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurant chains launches the Stars for Troops fundraising campaign this week at participating restaurant locations. The campaign hopes to harness the national reach of both brands and the generosity of its customers to rally behind the nation’s military families and veterans. Funds raised in this year’s campaign will assist those groups through national charity partnerships with Homes for Our Troops and USA Cares.

The Stars for Troops fundraising campaign kicks off today at Hardee’s and May 4 at Carl’s Jr. and will run for three weeks. To participate, restaurant guests donate $1 in support of military charities. For each $1 donation, guests receive a commemorative “Stars for Troops” cut out to personalize and place on display in the restaurant; in addition, they receive restaurant coupons valued at more than $10 to use toward future purchases.

“Advocating for our military families and veterans is a cause close to my heart and the hearts of our CKE employees, our franchisees and guests,” said Andrew F. Puzder, chief executive officer of CKE Restaurants. “Through our military charity partnerships, our customers’ generous contributions will go toward building homes and gifts of basic necessities for our injured veterans, as well as providing them and their families with crucial financial and advocacy support. We set lofty fundraising goals for previous fundraising campaigns, but I have faith in the American public and know that our consumers are generous of heart. I have high hopes that we can achieve the same great results for veterans and military personnel that we have in the past with our charitable programs.”

Previous to Stars for Troops, CKE Restaurants helped raise more than $4.1 million over six years in support of breast cancer screenings and research – surpassing the $1 million mark in both 2009 and 2010. The idea for such a fundraising drive began with the Carl’s Jr. franchise group, the Star Franchise Association, in 2005. Hardee’s franchise group, the International Hardee’s Franchise Association, joined the fundraising program in 2007. CKE Restaurants is dedicated to an annual fundraising campaign, which raises money for a cause important to guests, franchisees, employees, and their families. It was these groups who helped choose the new campaign focus and subsequent beneficiaries.

“Our franchise community is excited to support CKE and the new Stars for Troops charitable program,” said Daljit Hundal, president of the Star Franchise Association (SFA) and president of Hundal Foods, Inc., a Carl’s Jr. franchisee. “Through our past success with the Pink Star program, we’ve shown that collectively, we can really make a difference. We’re looking forward to helping raise both funds and awareness for the programs and services provided to our troops and veterans by Homes for Our Troops and USA Cares.”

“As Hardee’s franchise operators, we’re thrilled to participate in this new opportunity because vets and military families are important to our customers, employees and communities,” said Jack Mangan, vice president of the International Hardee’s Franchise Association (IHFA) and president of Restaurant Management Group (RMG), a Hardee’s franchisee. “This is a meaningful way for all of us to support our vets and their families through charities and advocacy groups that can make a difference.”

The “Stars for Troops” cut outs that will be on display in restaurants combine Happy Star, which is the icon for both Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr., and stars and stripes, representing the American flag and pride of the United States military. The visual impact of the stars, standing point to point lining restaurants’ walls is intended to serve as both a symbol and a reminder of how we can join together as a force to support those who have dedicated their lives to serve and protect us.

The funds raised through the 2011 Stars for Troops spring fundraiser will directly support both local and national programs of Homes for Our Troops and USA Cares throughout the entire year. CKE Restaurants has been working with both charitable organizations on their regional programs to highlight areas where local Carl’s Jr, and Hardee’s restaurants, staff and franchisees can play a crucial role in assisting these communities. Additional funds will also be earmarked to benefit regional veterans and military groups with existing ties to individual Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurant communities.

“The Stars for Troops campaign will greatly help us provide injured veterans and their families with homes that will help restore their freedom and independence,” said Dawn Teixeira, executive director for Homes for Our Troops. “Since 2004, Homes for Our Troops has committed to rebuilding the lives of 100 military families. This commitment is set to be fulfilled in 2011. With help from Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, we can look to building 100 more.”

“USA Cares has been working directly with active duty soldiers, veterans, Guard and Reserve members and their families every day since 2003,” said Bill Nelson, executive director of USA Cares. “The Stars for Troops campaign raises not only much-needed funds to support these families who have fallen between the cracks of the government support structure, but also to raise public awareness of the thousands of brave men and women who sacrificed their health in the name of our freedom.”

CKE Restaurants, Inc. today announced the opening of the first Carl’s Jr. restaurant in Panama, located at the Tocumen Panama International Airport in Panama City. The restaurant is operated by International Meal Company Caribbean and Central America, a wholly owned subsidiary of International Meal Corporation S.A., the largest retail food concessionaire and multi-brand casual dining chain in Brazil with operations in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Panama.

With the opening in Panama, CKE now licenses Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants in 20 countries.

“We are very excited to have International Meal Company Caribbean and Central America as a part of the CKE team. Latin America is a critical component of our international expansion goals and the premium hamburgers offered at Carl’s Jr. will be a perfect fit in these markets,” said Andrew F. Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants. “We currently have a very strong presence in Mexico and are well positioned for further expansion in Latin America.”

“The opening in Panama is also a milestone, marking the 20th country in which we operate,” added Puzder. “Our founder, Carl Karcher, started with one hot dog cart on a street corner in Los Angeles. Now, 70 years later, we’re operating restaurants in 20 countries. That sort of success is a testament to his legacy.”

“It is a great honor to bring Carl’s Jr. to the Panama market,” added Jose Algarin, CEO of International Meal Company Caribbean and Central America. “The premium products at Carl’s Jr. and their excellent service standards will deliver an ultimate dining experience to traveling consumers at the Tocumen Airport.”

Currently, CKE franchises 365 international restaurants between both its Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s brands. In addition to Panama City, Carl’s Jr. restaurants operate at the LA/Ontario International Airport in California, and the following airports in Mexico: General Mariano Escobedo International Airport, Monterrey; General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport, Tijuana; Benito Juárez International Airport, Mexico City; Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport, Puerto Vallarta; General Rafael Buelna International Airport, Mazatlan. CKE will open additional restaurants at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif., and Los Angeles International Airport later this year. CKE continues to explore expansion opportunities in captured-audience locations, such as airports, as it expands to meet its strategic development plan to double its international presence within the next five years.

CKE Restaurants, Inc. announced today its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 31, 2011. The Company expects to file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2011 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday, April 15, 2011 after the close of the financial markets.

The fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 31, 2011, included 13 weeks and 53 weeks, respectively, as compared to 12 weeks and 52 weeks in the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 25, 2010. As previously reported, on July 12, 2010, CKE Holdings, Inc., formerly known as Columbia Lake Acquisition Holdings, Inc., an affiliate of Apollo Management VII, L.P., acquired all of the outstanding shares of the Company (the “Merger”). As of January 31, 2011, the purchase price allocation related to the Merger remains preliminary and could change materially in subsequent periods. Any subsequent changes to the purchase price allocation that result in material changes to the consolidated financial results will be adjusted retrospectively.

The Company’s results of operations for fiscal 2011 and related information have been prepared by adding the results of operations for the twenty-nine weeks ended January 31, 2011 (the “Successor” period) and the twenty-four weeks ended July 12, 2010, which precedes the Merger (the “Predecessor” period), and are compared to the Predecessor results for fiscal 2010. This combined presentation does not comply with generally accepted accounting principles; however, the Company believes that it provides a meaningful method of comparison. The discussion of the Company’s fourth quarter results compares the results of operations for the Successor thirteen weeks ended January 31, 2011 to the Predecessor twelve weeks ended January 25, 2010.

Company-Operated Same-Store Sales and Average Unit Volumes

Blended same-store sales increased 2.3% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. Hardee’s same-store sales increased 5.7%, and Carl’s Jr. same-store sales declined 0.4%.

Fiscal 2011 blended same-store sales declined 0.8%. Hardee’s same-store sales increased 4.4%, and Carl’s Jr. same-store sales declined 4.8%.

At the end of fiscal 2011, the fifty-two week average unit volumes for Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s were $1,375,000 and $1,054,000, respectively.

To date, the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2012 blended same-store sales are tracking positive in the low- to mid- single digit range.

Fourth Quarter Results

The Company reported total revenue of $297.0 million for the fiscal 2011 fourth quarter, a decrease of $14.7 million, or 4.7%, compared to the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter. The decrease was attributable to the sale of the Carl’s Jr. distribution business on July 2, 2010, partially offset by the impact of an additional week in the fiscal 2011 fourth quarter. Total revenue, excluding both the Carl’s Jr. distribution center revenue in the prior year quarter and the impact of the additional week, increased by $7.2 million, or 2.7%. The Company estimates the additional week in the fiscal 2011 fourth quarter added approximately $22 million to revenue and approximately $2 million to Adjusted EBITDA.

“Hardee’s continued to generate strong same-store sales results during the fourth quarter. Including period 13, Hardee’s has now had twelve consecutive periods of positive same-store sales. Carl’s Jr. fourth quarter same-store sales results showed significant sequential improvement over the third quarter. We are pleased to have generated $37.1 million of Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter,” said Andrew F. Puzder, Chief Executive Officer.

Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin was flat when compared to the prior year quarter at 17.1%. Food and packaging costs increased 50 basis points as a result of higher commodity costs for beef, pork and cheese, and there were slight increases in advertising and in occupancy and other costs (excluding depreciation and amortization). These increases were offset by a 60 basis point decrease in labor costs primarily due to the impact of sales leverage at Hardee’s restaurants and lower employer payroll taxes due to favorable payroll tax legislation which expired on December 31, 2010. Refer to the further discussion of company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin under the heading “Non-GAAP Measures” below.

Adjusted EBITDA was $37.1 million in the fiscal 2011 fourth quarter compared to $32.8 million in the same quarter of the prior year. Excluding the estimated impact of the additional week, fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA increased by $2.3 million over the prior year fourth quarter. Refer to the further discussion of Adjusted EBITDA under the heading “Non-GAAP Measures” below, which includes a reconciliation of net (loss) income to Adjusted EBITDA.

Fiscal 2011 Results

The Company reported total revenue of $1,330.6 million for fiscal 2011, a decrease of $88.1 million, or 6.2%, compared to fiscal 2010. The decrease was primarily attributable to the sale of the Carl’s Jr. distribution business on July 2, 2010, partially offset by the impact of a fifty-third week in fiscal 2011. Total revenue, excluding both the Carl’s Jr. distribution center revenue and the impact of the additional week, decreased by $5.2 million, or 0.4%. The Company estimates the additional week in fiscal 2011 added approximately $22 million to revenue.

Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2011 was $164.9 million, as compared to $167.0 million for fiscal 2010. Refer to the further discussion of Adjusted EBITDA under the heading “Non-GAAP Measures” below, which includes a reconciliation of net (loss) income to Adjusted EBITDA.

As of January 31, 2011, cash and cash equivalents were $42.6 million and the Company had $65.1 million available under its credit facility.

Capital expenditures for fiscal 2011 were $63.1 million, of which $35.8 million related to new store openings, dual-branding and remodeling projects. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2010 were $102.4 million. For fiscal 2012, the Company expects capital expenditures to be between $60.0 million and $70.0 million.

As of January 31, 2011, the Company’s system-wide restaurant portfolio consisted of:

Company Overview

CKE Restaurants, Inc. is a privately held company headquartered in Carpinteria, Calif. As of the end of fiscal 2011, the Company, through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,159 franchised, licensed or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 18 countries. For more information about CKE, please visit www.ckr.com.

Estimated Impact of Additional Week

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Monday in January in each year, which resulted in an extra week during fiscal 2011. As a result, the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 31, 2011, included 13 weeks and 53 weeks, respectively, as compared to 12 weeks and 52 weeks in the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 25, 2010.

Management has estimated the impact of the additional week on its operating results by analyzing the last accounting period of fiscal 2011, excluding the impact of certain year-end and quarter-end adjustments, and making various assumptions that were deemed reasonable and appropriate.

Andrew F. Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., today announced the opening of the first Carl’s Jr. restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey. The restaurant, located in the popular Cevahir Shopping Mall in central Istanbul, marks the first of at least 25 Carl’s Jr. locations to be opened in Turkey over the next six years. The restaurants will be operated by FET Restoran Isletmeleri A.S.

The entry of Carl’s Jr. into Turkey is part of a strategic plan by CKE Restaurants to accelerate franchise development in international markets and grow the system as a whole. The 25 restaurant development deal is part of a greater development plan that CKE has for the region.

”We are very pleased to welcome FET Restoran Isletmeleri A.S., as a member of the Carl’s Jr. franchise family. The strength of our brand matched with the strong management depth and expertise of FET Restoran Isletmeleri A.S. in the QSR sector will secure a bright future for Carl’s Jr. in the Turkish market,” said Puzder. “We believe the Turkish market has tremendous potential for our brand given the strength of its economy, the youthful population base and an appreciation for premium-quality burgers. It is also a gateway for European expansion.”

“We are very excited to launch Carl’s Jr. in Turkey with our great partner CKE Restaurants. We are determined to make Carl’s Jr. the leading QSR brand in Turkey by providing premium, high-quality menu items, premium facilities, and exceptional customer service,” said Mr. Nurhan Azizoglu, General Manager of FET Restoran Isletmeleri A.S. “We have aggressive growth plans for Turkey and hope to make Carl’s Jr. the destination of choice for Turkish consumers.”

Currently, CKE franchises 363 international restaurants between both its Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s brands. The company has strategic development plans to double its International presence within the next five years.

Carl’s Jr. is celebrating 70 years in the quick-service industry. What began as a lone hot dog cart in Los Angeles, Calif. in 1941 is today a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. of Carpinteria, Calif. As of the end of fiscal 2011, CKE, through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,159 franchised, licensed or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 19 countries, including 1,249 Carl’s Jr. restaurants and 1,899 Hardee’s restaurants. For more information, or to find a Carl’s Jr. near you, go to www.carlsjr.com.

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, known for their innovative menus of decadent, premium-quality burgers, today announced a new line of Charbroiled Turkey Burgers. The sister brands are the first fast-food chains to offer turkey burgers on a national basis. The new product offering is available now at all Hardee’s and will be available tomorrow, Wednesday, March 23 at Carl’s Jr. locations.

The new line of Charbroiled Turkey Burgers was created in collaboration with the editors of Men’s Health and the creators of the bestselling Eat This, Not That! brand to offer indulgent but better-for-you food “swaps” for some of the chains’ higher-calorie beef burger options. Each of the three Charbroiled Turkey Burgers being offered at both chains has less than 500 calories.

“Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are famous for their big, decadent, sit-down restaurant quality burgers, many of which are made with 100% Black Angus beef,” said Brad Haley, executive vice president of marketing for CKE Restaurants, Inc., parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. “But more and more customers today are looking for great-tasting burgers that are better for them and/or are available with a beef alternative. So, we teamed up with the creators of Eat This, Not That! to develop a line of delicious – and still indulgent – Charbroiled Turkey Burgers, with toppings like guacamole, sautéed mushrooms or grilled pineapple. Ironically, several of our burgers made the “Not That!” list in the past, so we’re happy to now feature some products worthy of the “Eat This!” side. And, because we use quarter-pound turkey patties and we charbroil them, they are still very filling and taste great.”

To create the burgers, CKE’s menu development team worked hand-in-hand with Matt Goulding co-author of the Eat This, Not That! book series. CKE and Goulding developed the following five burgers to maintain a premium-quality taste that is sure to satisfy even the most discernable beef-lover looking for a lower-calorie option:

• Turkey Burger (available at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s): Features a charbroiled turkey patty, ketchup, mayonnaise, lettuce, red onion, tomato and dill pickle chips.
• Teriyaki Turkey Burger (available at Carl’s Jr.): Features a charbroiled turkey patty, teriyaki sauce, grilled pineapple, Swiss cheese, red onion, tomato and lettuce.
• Guacamole Turkey Burger (available at Carl’s Jr.): Features a charbroiled turkey patty, freshly-prepared guacamole, pepper-Jack cheese, tomato and lettuce.
• Mushroom Swiss Turkey Burger (available at Hardee’s): Features a charbroiled turkey patty, sautéed mushrooms and two slices of Swiss cheese.
• BBQ Ranch Turkey Burger (available at Hardee’s): Features a charbroiled turkey patty, BBQ sauce, red onion, tomato, lettuce and buttermilk ranch sauce.

All Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s Turkey Burgers are served on a toasted wheat bun.

“Menu items from both Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s have often landed on our ‘worst foods’ list because of their high calorie counts,” said David Zinczenko, co-author of the “Eat This, Not That!” series and editor-in-chief of Men’s Health. “So, we were excited to work with them to develop this new line of Charbroiled Turkey Burgers. This opportunity shows our brand’s impact on the fast-food industry and how Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are doing their part by providing healthier options.”

“We totally buy into the Eat This, Not That! philosophy of making better-for-you food choices that are also still delicious and indulgent because, human nature being what it is, those are the kind of foods people will be more likely to continue to eat time and time again,” Haley continued. “We could have opted to promote carrot sticks and apple slices like some of our competitors but people just don’t buy them. When they want a burger, they want a burger, and now they can get great ones that just happen to be better for them, too. That’s a trade-off that’s easy for anyone to make.”

The launch of the new Charbroiled Turkey Burgers will also be supported with TV, radio and print ads developed by CKE’s new advertising agency of record, Los Angeles-based David & Goliath. David & Goliath’s ads for the brand will feature Gizem Memic, the reigning Miss Turkey from the Miss Universe pageant and will also debut the brand’s new campaign tagline: “Just the way it is.”

“Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s stand for great quality food, served up with a no-BS attitude,” said David Angelo, chairman and chief creative officer of David & Goliath. “Our goal was to simply leverage their truth and tell it in a more contemporary and conversational way. The tagline ‘Just the way it is’ does just that. It embraces the voice in all of us that’s unafraid to be who we are and own it. And that’s just the way it is.”