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Carl's Jr. and Hardee's Raise $1.5 Million for U.S. Military Charities
[September 27, 2016]

Carl's Jr. and Hardee's Raise $1.5 Million for U.S. Military Charities


CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. ("CKE"), parent company of Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's®, today announced that its annual Stars for Heroes™ in-store fundraising campaign raised $1.5 million in 2016-up from 2015's $1.4 million-to benefit U.S. military veterans and their families. Funds raised will support national charity partners, Gary Sinise Foundation, Stand Up and Play Foundation, and USA Cares, as well as dozens of regional and local military-focused charities in the communities that Carl's Jr. and Hardee's serve.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160927005174/en/

"Since the program's launch in 2011, Stars for Heroes has harnessed the national reach of CKE's company operated and franchised restaurants, as well as the generosity of customers to raise over $6.5 million cumulatively," said Andy Puzder, chief executive officer of CKE Restaurants. "Each year brings more success and this trend of exemplary performance would not be possible without the support and leadership of both John Nelson, President of the Star Franchise Association and Nick Shurgot, President of the Independent Hardee's Franchise Association, as well as our employees, franchisees and restaurant crews."

The campaign, which ran from May 25 - June 1, encouraged restaurant guests to donate $1 and receive a commemorative "Stars for Heroes" cutout to personalize and place on display in the restaurant. A a thank you for their donation, customers received $10 worth of Carl's Jr. or Hardee's coupons to use toward future purchases.



STARS FOR HEROES BENEFICIARIES

Over the last five years, CKE has proudly supported USA Cares, a non-profit organization that helps post-9/11 military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission is to help with basic needs during financial crisis, to assist combat injured veterans and their families and to prevent private military home foreclosures and evictions.


"USA Cares is honored to work with the CKE franchise community, the employees, and compassionate customers, to make a significant difference for a significant number of military veterans and their families. The support from the Stars for Heroes program has empowered USA Cares to answer more calls for immediate financial relief, and provide the assistance these veterans need to get back on their feet. CKE has taken the lead to 'pay it forward' to assist these military families in crisis, and they truly value those that served our Nation," said Hank Patton (News - Alert), executive director of USA Cares.

In addition to USA Cares, CKE selected the Gary Sinise Foundation as its second national beneficiary in 2016. The Gary Sinise Foundation serves our nation through honoring defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities.

"We are so honored to be recognized by CKE Restaurants as one of the beneficiaries of this generous donation," said Gary Sinise, founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation. "These funds will allow us to continue and expand our efforts to help those who serve this great nation."

The Stand Up and Play Foundation was also selected as a 2016 national beneficiary and will receive Stars for Heroes funds for their own tireless work to support veterans in need. The Stand Up and Play Foundation assists wheelchair users and veterans with impaired mobility by providing access to a unique piece of equipment, the Paramobile, that allows them to stand up and play sports and engage in everyday activities. The foundation provides the unique combination of the Paramobile, adaptive equipment and well trained volunteers to give users unimagined levels of freedom and independence.

"We are truly thankful for CKE's commitment and dedication to the veteran community," said Anthony Netto, founder of the Stand Up and Play Foundation. "Due to this year's record-breaking Stars for Heroes campaign, we expect to equip 40 people with life-changing Paramobiles.

In addition to these national beneficiaries, dozens of other regional charities across the country were also selected by the Carl's Jr. and Hardee's franchise associations to receive funds.

About CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.

CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. ("CKE") is a privately held company headquartered in Carpinteria, Calif. CKE is not a franchisor and conducts substantially all of its restaurant activities and operations through its subsidiaries. Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC and Hardee's Restaurants LLC own, operate and franchise the Carl's Jr., Hardee's, Green Burrito® and Red Burrito® concepts. Carl's Jr. and Hardee's operate as one brand under two names, acknowledging the rich regional heritage of both banners. After opening their first restaurants in New York and New Jersey last spring and recent international openings in Japan, Australia, Canada, Colombia and Guatemala, Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC and Hardee's Restaurants LLC now have a total of 3,718 franchised or company-operated restaurants in 44 states and 38 foreign countries and U.S. territories. Known for its one-of-a-kind premium menu items such as 100 percent Black Angus Thickburgers®, Made from Scratch Biscuits, and Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, as well as an award-winning marketing approach, the Carl's Jr./Hardee's brand continues to deliver substantial and consistent growth in the U.S. and overseas. The Carl's Jr./Hardee's system is now 94 percent franchised, with international restaurants representing 20 percent of the system. For more information about CKE, please visit www.ckr.com or its brand sites at http://www.carlsjr.com and www.hardees.com.


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