Hardee's Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy, Closes Over 30 Restaurants
Phoenix, Arizona – Superior Star LLC, a large franchisee for the Hardee's burger chain, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company closed at least 30 locations last year.
Phoenix-based Superior Star LLC, which at one point operated more than 90 Hardee's locations, has sought Chapter 11 protection, indicating a restructuring of its operations. The company informed a bankruptcy court this week that it faced significant unforeseen costs related to maintenance, repairs, and taxes.
The franchisee acquired the restaurants from another operator in 2023 and alleges that the seller, StarCorp LLC, misrepresented and omitted information. Superior Star claims some of the purchased Hardee's locations were in "aged physical facilities" that deterred customers. StarCorp LLC did not respond to requests for comment.
Superior Star has significantly reduced its footprint since the acquisition, now operating 59 Hardee's restaurants. In a court filing, the company stated it closed 30 Hardee's restaurants last year and is now seeking to terminate leases and eliminate expenses associated with these shuttered sites.
The closures by Superior Star represent the latest challenge for the Hardee's brand, which has faced difficulties across various markets. This bankruptcy filing highlights ongoing financial pressures within the fast-food sector.