Entrepreneur. He founded the Hardee's restaurant chain in 1960 with his first drive-in in Greenville, North Carolina, near the campus of East Carolina University. Specializing in charcoal-broiled hamburgers selling for fifteen cents, he partnered with two North Carolina businessmen and the chain enjoyed a rapid growth and began to franchise. In 1963 the company went public and began expanding throughout the south. However, according to Hardee, he lost 51 percent controlling share in the company during a card game with his new partners. Soon after, he sold his remaining shares and began work on other ventures, launching 85 different restaurants throughout the southeast, including, Little Mint and Silo Restaurant. Hardee's restaurants continued to bear his name and though he had not been affiliated with the company for more than three decades, he took part in a 40th anniversary celebration in 2000.
Entrepreneur. He founded the Hardee's restaurant chain in 1960 with his first drive-in in Greenville, North Carolina, near the campus of East Carolina University. Specializing in charcoal-broiled hamburgers selling for fifteen cents, he partnered with two North Carolina businessmen and the chain enjoyed a rapid growth and began to franchise. In 1963 the company went public and began expanding throughout the south. However, according to Hardee, he lost 51 percent controlling share in the company during a card game with his new partners. Soon after, he sold his remaining shares and began work on other ventures, launching 85 different restaurants throughout the southeast, including, Little Mint and Silo Restaurant. Hardee's restaurants continued to bear his name and though he had not been affiliated with the company for more than three decades, he took part in a 40th anniversary celebration in 2000.
Bio by: Elizabeth Reed
Inscription
US NAVY
WORLD WAR II
FOUNDER OF HARDEE'S
Family Members
Advertisement
