CKE Restaurants,
Inc. (NYSE: CKR) announced today period four same-store sales for the four
weeks and quarter ended May 21, 2007, for Carl’s Jr.(R) and Hardee’s(R).
Commenting on the company’s performance, Andrew F. Puzder, president
and chief executive officer, said, “Period four blended same-store sales
declined 0.1 percent. However, we are very encouraged by Hardee’s
performance, which posted increased same-store sales for the 19th
consecutive period despite very good results in the prior year. We remain
convinced that our innovative, premium products and ongoing remodel and
dual-branding programs can deliver positive sales results in the near and
long-term.”
“During period four, Carl’s Jr. promoted the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.
and Boneless Buffalo Wings. Both products are dipped in dipped in
Frank’s(R) RedHot(R) buffalo wing sauce and received media support during
the period. The brand also recently announced the introductions of the
distinctive Hawaiian Teriyaki Burger(TM) and Orangesicle Hand-Scooped Ice
Cream Shakes & Malts(TM), but the new menu items were not available in
restaurants until after the close of period four,” said Puzder. “On a
two-year cumulative basis, same-store sales at Carl’s Jr. have increased
almost six percent. Average unit volumes for period four were higher than
any comparable period four ever.”
Carl’s Jr. same-store sales were flat in the first quarter, compared to
a 5.6 percent increase in the prior-year’s quarter. Revenue for the first
quarter from company-operated Carl’s Jr. restaurants (exclusive of
franchise- related revenue and royalties) was approximately $181.2 million.
“Hardee’s introduced the distinctive Breakfast Club Sandwich(TM) at the
start of period four, made with ham, bacon, turkey, cheese and eggs on
grilled sourdough bread. The brand also introduced the Patty Melt
Thickburger(TM) during the last week of period four although media support
did not begin until period five. Featuring a 1/3-pound Angus beef patty
topped with grilled onions and melted American cheese between two slices of
grilled rye bread, the Patty Melt Thickburger offers guests an authentic
version of a classic American burger. In addition, the brand continued to
feature the Big Twin(R) and Southwest Chicken Salad(TM),” Puzder continued.
“On a two-year cumulative basis, same-store sales at Hardee’s have
increased approximately eight and a half percent. In addition, Hardee’s
period four average unit volume was higher than any comparable period four
since 1994, which is as far back as we can check.”
“Hardee’s same-store sales for the first quarter increased 1.8 percent
on top of a 5.6 percent increase in the prior-year’s quarter. We believe
these gains reflect our continued efforts to broaden the appeal of the
brand through the selective expansion of our menu as well as our ongoing
customer service initiatives.” Revenue for the first quarter from
company-operated Hardee’s restaurants (exclusive of franchise-related
revenue and royalties) was approximately $199.2 million.
For the first quarter, consolidated revenue from company-operated
restaurants (exclusive of all franchise-related revenue and royalties) was
approximately as follows: Carl’s Jr., $181.2 million; Hardee’s, $199.2 million; and La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill(R), $13.4 million. Total revenue for all three brands equaled $393.8 million.
Same-store sales results for period five of fiscal year 2007, ending
June 18, 2007, will be reported on or about June 27, 2007.
As of the end of its fiscal fourth quarter on Jan. 29, 2007, CKE
Restaurants, Inc., through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,105
franchised or company-owned restaurants in 43 states and in 13 countries,
including 1,087 Carl’s Jr. restaurants, 1,906 Hardee’s restaurants and 96
La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill restaurants.