CKE Restaurants, Inc. News

CKE Restaurants, Inc. Reports Positive Period Six Blended Same-Store Sales

CARPINTERIA, Calif., July 22 PRNewswire-FirstCall — CKE Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: CKR) announced today period six same-store sales for the four weeks ended July 14, 2008, for Carl's Jr.(R) and Hardee's(R).

Brand Period 6 Year to Date FY 2009 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2008 Carl's Jr. +4.9% +3.1% +3.8% +1.0% Hardee's +5.7% +1.1% +1.0% +1.8% Blended +5.2% +2.1% +2.5% +1.4%

Commenting on the Company's performance, Andrew F. Puzder, president and chief executive officer, said, "We are very pleased to report positive blended same-store sales of 5.2 percent for period six of fiscal 2009 and 2.5 percent for the year to date. On a two year basis, blended same-store sales for period six were up 7.3 percent. As of the end of period six, our blended average unit volume for our company-operated stores was $1,200,000, a $38,000 increase from the end of fiscal 2008."

"We believe these results support our belief that consumers still desire innovative, premium quality products — even in a challenging economy — and that we can still redefine value perceptions in relation to sit-down restaurant fare rather than merely with low prices and inferior quality products."

"During the period, both brands featured the distinctively premium quality and premium priced Prime Rib Burger. In fact, this is our highest priced Six Dollar Burger(TM) or Thickburger(R) to date. Our latest 'meat-as-a-condiment' creation is made by topping a charbroiled, 100 percent Black Angus beef patty with thinly-sliced prime rib, horseradish sauce, Swiss cheese, and grilled onions all on a toasted Ciabatta roll," Puzder continued. "The advertising for the product is part of our 'Fake Restaurant' campaign, in which people willingly paid $14 or more for a variety of Carl's Jr. Six Dollar Burgers and Hardee's Thickburgers. The commercials and additional video content can be viewed on the microsite http://www.FakeRestaurant.com."

"Carl's Jr. achieved a 4.9 percent same store sales increase over positive same store sales of 3.1 percent last year for a two year cumulative increase of 8.0 percent. We began selling the Prime Rib Burger on June 18, the second day of the period. In addition, Carl's Jr. introduced Natural Cut French Fries on July 2. These thicker fries with the potato skin left on them mirror the kind of premium-quality fries found at sit-down restaurants," said Puzder. "Carl's Jr. also promoted the Jalapeno Chicken Sandwich and Chili Cheese Fries during the period. As of the end of period six, the trailing 13-period average unit volume at Carl's Jr. was $1,523,000, a $29,000 per unit increase since the end of fiscal 2008 and an all-time high for the brand. In addition, our period six average unit volume for Carl's Jr. was higher than any comparable period six ever." Revenue for period six from company-operated Carl's Jr. restaurants (exclusive of franchise-related revenue and royalties) was approximately $49.4 million.

"Hardee's same-store sales increased 5.7 percent versus positive same-store sales of 1.1 percent last year for a two year cumulative increase of 6.8 percent. In addition to the Prime Rib Thickburger(R), Hardee's promoted the Red Burrito Taco Salad(TM) during the period," Puzder continued. "Hardee's also debuted the delicious Strawberry Biscuits during the breakfast daypart on June 17, the first day of period six. Sliced strawberries and strawberry syrup are ladled onto our Made from Scratch buttermilk biscuits with icing drizzled on top," added Puzder. As of the end of period six, the trailing 13-period average unit volume at Hardee's was $970,000 a $16,000 per unit increase since the end of fiscal 2008, and the highest figure for the brand since fiscal 1995, which is as far back as we can check. In addition, Hardee's period six average unit volume was higher than any comparable period as far back as we can check." Revenue for period six from company-operated Hardee's restaurants (exclusive of franchise-related revenue and royalties) was approximately $40.0 million.

For period six, consolidated revenue from company-operated restaurants (exclusive of all franchise-related revenue and royalties) was approximately as follows: Carl's Jr. $49.4 million Hardee's $40.0 million Total $89.4 million

"We will report same-store sales results for period seven of fiscal year 2009, ending Aug. 11, 2008, on or about Aug. 20, 2008."

As of the end of its fiscal 2009 first quarter ended May 19, 2008, CKE Restaurants, Inc., through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,101 franchised, licensed or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 13 countries, including 1,162 Carl's Jr. restaurants and 1,923 Hardee's restaurants.

SAFE HARBOR DISCLOSURE

Matters discussed in this news release contain forward-looking statements relating to future plans and developments, financial goals and operating performance that are based on management's current beliefs and assumptions. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict, are beyond the Company's control and which may cause results to differ materially from expectations. Factors that could cause the Company's results to differ materially from those described include, but are not limited to, whether or not restaurants will be closed and the number of restaurant closures, consumers' concerns or adverse publicity regarding the Company's products, the effectiveness of operating initiatives and advertising and promotional efforts (particularly at the Hardee's brand), changes in economic conditions or prevailing interest rates, changes in the price or availability of commodities, availability and cost of energy, workers' compensation and general liability premiums and claims experience, changes in the Company's suppliers' ability to provide quality and timely products to the Company, delays in opening new restaurants or completing remodels, severe weather conditions, the operational and financial success of the Company's franchisees, franchisees' willingness to participate in the Company's strategies, the availability of financing for the Company and its franchisees, unfavorable outcomes in litigation, changes in accounting policies and practices, effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, new legislation or government regulation (including environmental laws), the availability of suitable locations and terms for the sites designated for development, and other factors as discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law or the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.

SOURCE CKE Restaurants, Inc.

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