Wilber Hardee opened his first namesake restaurant in Greenville, North Carolina in 1960.
Hardee's Food Systems is a leading fast food chain operator, with more than 1,900 locations in some 30 states, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast.
The chain offers a variety of premium-priced Angus beef hamburgers under such names as Thickburger, Six Dollar Burger, and the Monster Thickburger. Hardee's also serves up chicken sandwiches, salads, fries, and beverages, as well as dessert items.
About 25% of the restaurants are operated by the company, while the rest are franchised. Hardee's is a subsidiary of fast food giant CKE Restaurants.