Does the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation's registration of the Hardees franchise offering constitute approval, recommendation, or endorsement by the commissioner?

According to Hardees' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the registration of the Hardees franchise offering by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation does not constitute approval, recommendation, or endorsement by the commissioner. This means that while Hardees is registered to offer franchises in California, the state's Department of Financial Protection and Innovation does not endorse the franchise as a good investment.

This disclosure is a standard legal requirement in franchise sales, intended to prevent potential franchisees from assuming that state registration implies any form of state approval or guarantee. Prospective Hardees franchisees in California should not interpret the registration as a sign of the franchise's quality or viability.

Therefore, it is crucial for potential Hardees franchisees to conduct their own thorough due diligence, including reviewing the FDD, consulting with existing franchisees, and seeking professional financial and legal advice, before making any investment decisions. This ensures they are making an informed decision based on their own assessment of the risks and benefits involved.