Hardee’s is an American fast-food chain best known for its charbroiled burgers and a breakfast menu anchored by Made From Scratch™ biscuits. The brand has a strong presence in many U.S. regions and also maintains international locations through franchise partnerships.
Hardee’s is owned by CKE Restaurants (the parent company behind Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr.). That relationship matters because brand-level footprint stats (Hardee’s itself) and parent-level footprint stats (CKE’s combined global system) are both useful—just for different questions.
Hardee’s by the Numbers
- Hardee’s restaurants (U.S.): 1,800+ (company statement)
- Countries with Hardee’s locations: 13 (company statement)
- CKE system size: 3,800+ restaurants (Hardee’s + Carl’s Jr.)
- CKE global footprint: 44 states + 43 foreign countries/territories
Key Hardee’s Metrics
| Metric | Value | Year (as reported) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardee’s restaurant count (U.S.) | 1,800+ restaurants | Company statement (accessed 2026) | Hardee’s About |
| Hardee’s countries | 13 countries | Company statement (accessed 2026) | Hardee’s About |
| CKE total restaurants (Hardee’s + Carl’s Jr.) | 3,800+ restaurants | Company statement (accessed 2026) | CKE Restaurants |
| CKE footprint | 44 states + 43 foreign countries/territories | Company statement (accessed 2026) | CKE Restaurants |
What Hardee’s Is Known For
- Charbroiled burgers: the core lunch/dinner identity.
- Breakfast leadership: biscuits and breakfast platters are central to the brand.
- Franchise model: international growth often comes via regional franchise operators.
FAQ
How many Hardee’s restaurants are there?
Hardee’s states it has more than 1,800 restaurants across the U.S., plus locations in 13 countries.
Who owns Hardee’s?
Hardee’s is owned by CKE Restaurants, which also owns Carl’s Jr.
How big is CKE Restaurants?
CKE states it has over 3,800 restaurants across 44 states and 43 foreign countries and U.S. territories.