Is a Hardees franchisee required to maintain sufficient inventories?

According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to maintain sufficient inventories. Specifically, the franchisee must operate the Franchised Restaurant solely as a Hardee's Restaurant and must maintain sufficient inventories. They must also adequately staff each shift with qualified employees and continuously operate the Franchised Restaurant as Hardees specifies in the OPM (Operations Procedures Manual) or otherwise in writing.

This requirement ensures that Hardees restaurants can meet customer demand and maintain consistent product availability. Failing to maintain sufficient inventory could lead to customer dissatisfaction and lost sales, which would negatively impact the franchisee's revenue and the brand's reputation.

Furthermore, Hardees retains significant control over the products and services offered at the Franchised Restaurant. The franchisee must offer for sale and sell only those products and services expressly authorized by Hardees in the OPM or in writing. Hardees has the right to change menu items, ingredients, products, materials, supplies, and paper goods, and franchisees must promptly comply with these changes. This control extends to requiring franchisees to participate in online ordering and delivery services as established by Hardees with approved vendors.