How long does Hardees have to advise a franchisee in writing whether they have accepted a particular site for a Hardees restaurant?

According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Hardees will advise a franchisee in writing whether they have accepted a particular site within 45 days after receiving all required documents. However, Hardees has no obligation to review any development proposal if the franchisee or their affiliates are not in full compliance with all agreements with Hardees or its affiliates. If Hardees does not respond within that 45-day time period, the site will be deemed not to have been accepted.

This means that a prospective Hardees franchisee needs to ensure they submit all required documentation promptly and completely to avoid delays in the site selection process. It also highlights the importance of remaining in full compliance with all agreements with Hardees, as non-compliance can halt the site review process. The franchisee should maintain open communication with Hardees during this period to address any potential issues or requests for additional information.

This 45-day review period is a crucial step in the franchise development process, as it sets the stage for securing the site and moving forward with construction. Franchisees should factor this timeframe into their overall development timeline and be prepared to act quickly once site acceptance is received. Following site acceptance, the franchisee must secure the site by entering into a lease or sublease or purchasing the real property within 6 to 9 months.