The openings of a Hardee’s in Marassi, Egypt, and a Carl’s Jr. in Conroe, Texas, mark a major milestone for CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc. as the company’s 3,500th and 3,501st restaurants worldwide. Opened in late July, the Marassi Hardee’s is owned by franchisee Kuwait Food Company, which owns another 274 Hardee’s in the region. The Carl’s Jr. in Conroe is owned by Zubha Foods LLC, which operates six other Carl’s Jr. restaurants in Houston and San Antonio, Texas.
“The opening of our 3,500th restaurant is an incredible achievement and demonstrates how much Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. fans across the world love our premium quality food and service,” says Andy Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc. “Our restaurants in Marassi and Conroe may be separated by an ocean and nearly 7,000 miles, but they’re connected by the same commitment to quality and entrepreneurial spirit that exists among all our international and domestic franchise partners as together we continue growing our premier global brand. We’re big, we’re bold, and it works.”
CKE owns, operates, and franchises Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s quick-service restaurants as one global brand in 42 states and 31 foreign countries and U.S. territories, generating about $4 billion in annual system revenues. CKE attributes Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s sustained growth in part due to the company’s focus on delivering premium-quality menu items, including charbroiled, Black Angus beef Thickburgers served on Fresh Baked Buns, Made from Scratch Biscuits, Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, and Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes. The brand is differentiated further thanks to its service and advertising targeting the “young, hungry guy” market around the world.