Since what date has HR operated and offered franchises for Hardee's Restaurants, which are affiliated with Carls?

According to Carls's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Hardee's Restaurants LLC (HR) has operated and offered franchises for Hardee's Restaurants since April 1, 2013. HR is an affiliate of Carls through control with private equity funds. The FDD specifies that HR has not engaged in any other business or offered franchises in any other line of business besides Hardee's.

As of January 29, 2024, HR had 204 company-operated Hardee's restaurants and 1,393 domestic franchised Hardee's restaurants, including 134 Dual Concept restaurants (Hardee's Restaurants that also offer certain Red Burrito Mexican food products). Additionally, on the same date, there were international franchised Hardee's Restaurants in several countries, including Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

For a prospective Carls franchisee, this information indicates that while Carls itself focuses on Carl's Jr. restaurants, its affiliate HR manages the Hardee's brand. This distinction is important for understanding the overall corporate structure and the specific entity responsible for franchising Hardee's restaurants. The franchisee should be aware that the performance and reputation of Hardee's, managed by HR, could indirectly impact the Carls organization.