What was the total number of Hardees restaurants at the end of 2024, considering restaurants opened, reacquired, closed, and sold?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Restaurant Type | Year | Restaurants at Start of the Year | Restaurants at End of the Year | Net Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franchised | 2023 | 1552 | 1512 | -40 |
| 2024 | 1512 | 1394 | -119 | |
| 2025 | 1394 | 1,369 | -24 | |
| Company- | 2023 | 202 | 195 | -7 |
| Operated | ||||
| 2024 | 195 | 204 | +9 | |
| 2025 | 204 | 202 | -2 | |
| Total | 2023 | 1754 | 1707 | -47 |
| Restaurants | ||||
| 2024 | 1707 | 1598 | -110 | |
| 2025 | 1598 | 1,571 | -26 |
Source: Item 20 — OUTLETS AND FRANCHISEE INFORMATION (FDD pages 71–84)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the total number of Hardees restaurants at the end of 2024 was 1,598. This number takes into account franchised and company-operated restaurants. At the start of 2024, there were 1,707 restaurants. During 2024, the number changed by -110, resulting in 1,598 restaurants at the end of the year.
Specifically, for franchised Hardees restaurants, the number decreased from 1,512 at the start of 2024 to 1,394 at the end of the year, a net change of -119. Company-operated restaurants increased from 195 to 204, a net change of +9. This indicates a decrease in franchised locations and an increase in company-operated locations during that year.
It is important for a prospective franchisee to understand these trends. A decrease in the number of franchised locations could signal challenges within the franchise system, while an increase in company-operated stores might suggest a strategic shift by Hardees. Further investigation into the reasons behind these changes would be prudent for anyone considering investing in a Hardees franchise.