Can Hardees restrict the sales of menu items to certain time periods during the day?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must offer for sale and sell at the Franchised Restaurant all and only those products and services as are expressly authorized by us in the OPM or otherwise in writing. We have the right to change the menu items, ingredients, products, materials, supplies and paper goods or the standards and specifications of each and there are no limits on our ability to do so. You must promptly comply with the
new requirements. We also may restrict sales of menu items to certain time periods during the day.
Source: Item 16 — Restrictions on What the Franchisee May Sell (FDD pages 63–64)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Hardees has the authority to restrict the sales of menu items to specific time periods during the day. This means that Hardees can dictate when certain items are available for purchase at the franchised restaurant.
This provision allows Hardees to control its brand consistency and optimize its menu offerings based on customer demand throughout the day. For example, Hardees could restrict the sale of breakfast items after a certain hour or limit the availability of specific lunch or dinner items during off-peak hours.
For a prospective franchisee, this implies that they must adhere to Hardees's decisions regarding menu availability and timing. While this may limit the franchisee's autonomy in some respects, it also ensures that the restaurant operates in accordance with Hardees's established brand standards and strategies. Franchisees should inquire about typical restrictions and the process for requesting changes.