Local media in those two locations have reported a growing number of Hardee's closures over the past week, but the causes and repercussions for the beloved fast-food firm remain unknown.
Charbroiled burgers, biscuits, chicken sandwiches, and fries are Hardee's specialty. Carl's Jr. is its western brother.
The Wichita Eagle reports that three Hardee's locations in Wichita, Derby, and Topeka closed recently. Hardee's closed in Columbia, Mo., Athens, Ga., and Fort Mill, S.C.
Hardee closed for unclear reasons. The Wichita Eagle reports that Boulder-based Capstone Restaurant Group shuttered the sites.
Capstone may close Columbia. Capstone's phone number matches Boulder's Summit Restaurant Holdings LLC, which runs Hardee's in Missouri.
CKE Restaurant Holdings, Hardee's parent company told that Summit had announced several layoffs "and that Summit is working hard to ensure that the impact to guests, staff, suppliers, and communities is minimized."
CKE told the Columbia Missourian that Summit's Columbia closure was part of their "efforts to re-position its dining establishment portfolios in light of the challenges that persist in the industry."
The representative did not elaborate on those industry "challenges," but other restaurant firms have struggled in recent years due to rising food and commodity prices and falling tourist attendance.
Burger King franchisees declared bankruptcy in 2023 due to higher pricing and reduced foot traffic.
Meridian Shops Unlimited filed court paperwork earlier last month to close 27 Burger King locations in Minnesota, Utah, Montana, Kansas, Nebraska, and North Dakota.