When are Hardee's National Advertising Fund (HNAF) contributions due?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Fee (1) | Amount | Due Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| upon receipt of invoice | |||
| Hardee’s Advertising | An advertising and promotional obligation (“APO”) in an amount set forth in your Franchise Agreement. Your APO will be up to 7% of Hardee’s Gross Sales. Currently, your APO is 5.5% of Hardee’s Gross Sales. (3) | Divided between HNAF, Regional Co-op and LSM (each as defined below) | |
| Hardee’s National Advertising Fund (“HNAF”) | Currently, 4.25% of Hardee’s Gross Sales | On the 10th day of each month | HNAF contributions are due on the 10th day of each month and are based on Gross Sales in the prior month. |
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 29–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardee's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to make contributions to the Hardee's National Advertising Fund (HNAF). These contributions are currently set at 4.25% of the restaurant's gross sales. These HNAF contributions are due on the 10th day of each month. The amount due is based on the gross sales from the previous month.
These advertising contributions are part of a broader advertising and promotional obligation (APO), which can be up to 7% of gross sales. The APO is divided among the HNAF, regional cooperatives, and local store marketing. The franchisee's contribution to the HNAF is a significant portion of the overall advertising expenditure, ensuring a consistent national brand presence.
It's important for prospective Hardee's franchisees to understand that these advertising fees are mandatory and contribute to the overall marketing strategy of the Hardee's brand. Failing to remit these payments on time can result in interest charges on the overdue amount. The interest rate is the maximum rate permitted for indebtedness of this nature in the state in which the Franchised Restaurant is located not to exceed 1.5% per fiscal period (or a portion of a fiscal period).