Besides the Hardees National Advertising Fund (HNAF), what other advertising funds do domestic Hardees restaurants contribute to?

According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, domestic Hardees restaurants contribute to the Hardee's National Advertising Fund (HNAF) and cooperative advertising funds. The HNAF is administered by the Manager, while the cooperative advertising funds are administered by a third party. However, the Manager consolidates these funds since it is the primary beneficiary.

In practical terms, this means that Hardees franchisees are required to contribute to both a national advertising fund and local cooperative advertising funds. The national fund is controlled directly by Hardees's management, while the local funds are managed by an outside entity, likely involving franchisee input or regional considerations. Despite the third-party administration, Hardees ultimately consolidates and oversees all advertising funds.

For a prospective Hardees franchisee, it's important to understand the contribution rates for both the HNAF and the cooperative advertising funds, as these will impact the restaurant's operating expenses. Additionally, franchisees should inquire about the level of input they have into the local cooperative advertising fund and how those funds are used to promote their specific location. Understanding the allocation and effectiveness of both advertising funds is crucial for assessing the overall value of the franchise.