How many Hardees restaurants were acquired from franchisees as part of the CKE Restaurants Acquisition during the year ended January 31, 2024?

According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, during the year ended January 31, 2024, CKE Restaurants acquired nineteen Hardee's restaurants from franchisees as part of the CKE Restaurants Acquisition. CKE Restaurants then contributed these restaurants to the CKE Securitization Entities. This acquisition and contribution may have implications for franchisees, as it changes the ownership and management structure of those specific locations.

This type of acquisition is not uncommon in the franchise industry, as franchisors periodically buy back locations for various strategic reasons, such as to improve operational efficiency, test new strategies, or consolidate ownership. For a prospective Hardees franchisee, this information provides insight into the company's growth and management strategies. It demonstrates that Hardees is willing to reacquire restaurants from franchisees, which could be seen as a potential exit strategy for franchisees in the future.

However, it is important to note that the FDD does not provide details on the specific terms or conditions under which these acquisitions occurred. A prospective franchisee should inquire about the factors that led to these acquisitions, the criteria used to select the restaurants, and the process for determining the purchase price. Understanding these details can help a franchisee assess the potential risks and opportunities associated with investing in a Hardees franchise.