How to Buy Hardee's Stock: Investor Guide & Alternatives | Stock Taper
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How to Buy Hardee's Stock (And What to Do When You Can't)

Justin A
4 min read
How to Buy Hardee's Stock (And What to Do When You Can't)

Ever driven past a Hardee’s and wondered how you could own a piece of the action? You’re not alone. Many investors see the popularity of Hardee’s and want to add it to their portfolios. But unlike McDonald’s or Wendy’s, buying Hardee’s stock isn’t as straightforward as searching for a ticker symbol. Here’s the truth behind Hardee’s ownership—and what you can do if you want to invest in the booming fast-food space.

Why You Can't Buy Hardee's Stock

Unlike some of its major rivals, Hardee’s is not a publicly traded company. That means you won’t find a "HARDEE" ticker on the NASDAQ or NYSE. Hardee’s is owned by CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (CKE), a private company that also owns Carl’s Jr. and other brands. Because CKE is privately held, its shares aren’t available for purchase on public stock exchanges.

CKE Restaurants was once public (traded as CKR), but in 2010 it was acquired by private equity firm Roark Capital Group for approximately $1.65 billion. Since then, CKE and its brands, including Hardee’s, have remained private. Unless CKE goes public again via an IPO, individual investors can’t directly buy Hardee’s stock.

You can’t buy Hardee’s stock because its parent company, CKE Restaurants, is privately owned by Roark Capital Group.

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What Happens When a Brand Is Privately Owned?

Private ownership means Hardee’s financials, growth plans, and business strategy aren’t subject to the same public disclosures as competitors. Private equity firms like Roark Capital often invest in established brands, improve operations, and eventually exit through a sale or IPO. For now, Hardee’s remains off-limits to retail investors.

  • No Hardee’s ticker symbol on major exchanges
  • No quarterly earnings reports or investor calls
  • No way for individuals to buy shares unless an IPO occurs

It’s possible that CKE could return to public markets in the future—especially if Roark Capital wants to cash out. Until then, investors have to look elsewhere.

How to Invest in Fast Food: Publicly Traded Alternatives

If you’re bullish on the fast-food industry, you’re in luck: several major chains are publicly traded and offer exposure to similar market trends as Hardee’s. Here are some top alternatives:

  • McDonald’s (MCD): The largest fast-food chain in the world, with over 40,000 locations and a history of growing dividends.
  • Yum! Brands (YUM): Parent of KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut, with a global footprint and franchise-heavy model.
  • Wendy’s (WEN): Known for its burgers and value menu, Wendy’s has focused on digital and breakfast expansion.
  • Restaurant Brands International (QSR): Owner of Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons, offering diversification across brands.
  • Domino’s Pizza (DPZ): While not a burger chain, Domino’s is a leader in fast-food innovation and digital ordering.

These companies all have robust U.S. and international operations, brand loyalty, and scale advantages. For example, McDonald’s generated over $25 billion in revenue in 2023, with a market capitalization north of $200 billion. Yum! Brands has more than 55,000 restaurants worldwide.

Investing in these stocks provides exposure to the same industry forces that drive Hardee’s: consumer demand for convenience, value, and speed. Each also pays a dividend, which Hardee’s investors can’t access directly.

What About Private Equity or Franchise Investing?

For most retail investors, buying into private equity funds like Roark Capital isn’t practical—these vehicles are typically reserved for institutional or accredited investors. However, some public companies (like Booking Holdings in travel) own stakes in private equity-backed brands, though not in Hardee’s case.

Another route is franchise ownership. Hardee’s does offer franchising opportunities, but this involves significant capital and operational risk. It’s not a stock market investment, but it does provide direct exposure to the brand’s performance.

Key Takeaways: Your Fast-Food Investing Playbook

  • You can’t buy Hardee’s stock directly—its parent, CKE Restaurants, is privately owned.
  • Publicly traded fast-food giants like McDonald’s, Yum! Brands, and Wendy’s offer accessible alternatives.
  • Private equity and franchise investing are possible but require higher risk tolerance and capital.
  • Monitor the news: If CKE ever files for an IPO, that could open the door to investing in Hardee’s down the road.

While you can’t buy Hardee’s stock today, the fast-food sector remains filled with strong investment opportunities. By understanding the landscape and exploring alternatives, you can still capitalize on the trends driving Hardee’s success—without waiting for an IPO. For more actionable insights, check out the guides and stock analysis at Stock Taper.