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

By: CKE Restaurants | 0 Shares 59 Reads

Both Brands Record Highest Period Eight Average Unit Volumes in Recent History

CARPINTERIA, Calif., Sept. 19 // PRNewswire-FirstCall // -- CKE Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: CKR) announced today period eight same-store sales for the four weeks ended Sept. 10, 2007, for Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's®.



      Brand                    Period 8                  Year to Date



                         FY 2008       FY 2007       FY 2008       FY 2007

    Carl's Jr.            +1.2%         +8.0%         +0.9%         +5.6%

    Hardee's              +3.5%         +5.9%         +2.4%         +4.6%

    Blended               +2.3%         +6.9%         +1.7%         +5.1%

Commenting on the Company's performance, Andrew F. Puzder, president and chief executive officer, said, "We are pleased to report positive blended same-store sales of 2.3 percent for period eight. In particular, we are very pleased to report the 23rd consecutive period of positive same-store sales for Hardee's, despite a difficult prior-year comparison and the lack of a new lunch/dinner product during the period. On a two-year cumulative basis, both brands have recorded same-store sales increases in excess of nine percent."

"We believe this positive performance is the result of our constant focus on innovative premium products, cutting-edge advertising and superior customer service. We will continue to focus on these initiatives over the coming periods, as well as remodel and dual-branding programs."

"Carl's Jr. introduced the Patty Melt Burger on Aug. 22, and media support for the product was in place for the final two weeks of the period. Featuring a charbroiled beef patty topped with grilled onions and melted American cheese between two slices of grilled rye bread, the Patty Melt offers guests an authentic version of a classic American burger. Carl's Jr. also promoted the latest flavor of its Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts(TM) lineup -- Orangesicle(TM)," said Puzder. "In addition, Carl's Jr. featured the Breakfast Club Sandwich(TM) during the breakfast daypart. Average unit volume for period eight was higher than any comparable period eight ever." Revenue for period eight from company-operated Carl's Jr. restaurants (exclusive of franchise-related revenue and royalties) was approximately $45.9 million.

"Hardee's continued to promote the Patty Melt Thickburger(TM) and the Orange Cream Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes and Malts during period eight. The chain also promoted a Blueberry Biscuit during the breakfast daypart," Puzder continued. "Hardee's period eight average unit volume was higher than any comparable period eight since 1994, which is as far back as we can check." Revenue for period eight from company-operated Hardee's restaurants (exclusive of franchise-related revenue and royalties) was approximately $46.2 million.

For period eight, consolidated revenue from company-operated restaurants
(exclusive of all franchise-related revenue and royalties) was approximately
as follows:





          Carl's Jr.                    $ 45.9 million

          Hardee's                      $ 46.2 million

          Total                         $ 92.1 million

Same-store sales results for period nine of fiscal year 2008, ending Oct. 8, 2007, will be reported on or about Oct. 17, 2007.

As of the end of its fiscal 2008 second quarter, CKE Restaurants, Inc., through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,036 franchised, licensed or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 13 countries, including 1,111 Carl's Jr. restaurants and 1,909 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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