Hardee's Announces Five New Restaurants in Missouri, Indiana

Hardee's Food Systems, Inc. recently opened new restaurants in Crestwood, Mo., Cuba, Mo., and in Greenfield, Ind., and is building restaurants in Indianapolis and O'Fallon, Mo. Each of the new locations will serve Hardee's new Thickburger menu.

"This expansion will introduce Hardee's unique new Thickburgers to more of our guests," said Noah Griggs, Hardee's executive vice president of U.S. operations. "We think our focus on truly great burgers and outstanding service will set us apart in these communities from traditional Fast Food restaurants."

In late January it was announced that Hardee's new menu would phase in systemwide at the chain's more than 2,000 restaurants. Like the popular Six Dollar Burger™, the charbroiled one-third pound, one-half pound and two-thirds pound Thickburgers feature premium ingredients such as Angus beef patties, bakery buns, red onions and thick-cut pickles.

"The new Angus beef Thickburger line-up, made-to-order cooking process, beverage bars and limited table service fits nicely with our move toward becoming a fast casual concept," Griggs said.

Hardee's Food Systems, Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, is a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. of Santa Barbara, Calif. CKE Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: CKR), through its subsidiaries, franchisees and licensees, operates nearly 3,400 restaurants in 43 states and 14 countries. CKE's brands -- including Carl's Jr., Hardee's, Green Burrito and La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grills -- are the quality and taste leaders in the burger, Mexican quick- service and fast casual dining Restaurant industry segments.