What is the definition of 'End-of-Life' equipment according to the Hardees FDD?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Milestone | Definition | Date |
|---|---|---|
| End-of-Life | The date the document that announces the end-of-sale and end-of-life of a product is distributed to the general public. | January 20, |
| Announcement Date | 2021 |
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 85–541)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, 'End-of-Life' for equipment is defined as the date the document announcing the end-of-sale and end-of-life of a product is distributed to the general public. The example provided in the FDD excerpt shows an announcement date of January 20, 2021.
For a Hardees franchisee, this means that equipment used in the restaurant will eventually need to be replaced as it reaches its 'End-of-Life'. Hardees will communicate this obsolescence via a document distributed to the general public. It is important to note that CKE, Hardees' parent company, will not support equipment that has reached its end of life.
This definition is important for budgeting and planning purposes. Franchisees need to be aware of when equipment will become obsolete and factor in the cost of replacement with current Hardees-approved equipment. This ensures the restaurant maintains operational standards and receives the necessary support from CKE.