US-based Carl's Jr. expands partnership with Beyond Meat

CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc (CKE), the parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, has promoted Mike Woida to President of its International division.

In his new role, he will be reporting to the company’s CEO Ned Lyerly. He will oversee all International operations for the nearly 1,000 international locations of both Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s Restaurants that span across 43 countries.

Woida has been a senior leader of CKE’s International division since 1993. He has been instrumental in the company’s global development.

Ned Lyerly, CEO of CKE Restaurants, said, “Mike’s devotion to growing these two legacy brands across the globe is a testament to his inspirational leadership style, and perfectly encapsulates what CKE values in its leaders. With Mike at the helm of our international division, we are confident that both Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s will experience a tangible positive impact as we expand in new markets around the world.”

Mike Woida, President of International for CKE, added, “Being a part of this company’s growth over the years has been inspiring, and I am thrilled to continue to partner with our team to accelerate the growth of our international business in both our existing and new markets. It’s an honor to continue supporting these two iconic brands, and continue to build our footprint across the globe.”

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s bring the classic tastes of a great, sit-down steakhouse meal to fast food consumers: introducing the Steakhouse Thickburger available now at participating restaurants nationwide.

Served on the chains’ signature Fresh Baked Buns, the Steakhouse Thickburger features a charbroiled, 100 percent Black Angus beef patty topped with crispy onion strings, crumbled blue cheese and A.1. Steak Sauce.

“Everyone loves going out for a high-end steakhouse dinner, but not everyone wants to make reservations, get dressed up, and pay steakhouse prices,” said Brad Haley, chief marketing officer for Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants. “With the new Steakhouse Thickburger, you can have all of the great steakhouse tastes you crave…on a burger.”

The Steakhouse Thickburger is available as a 1/3 pound for $5.59 and a 1/2 pound for $6.79, either of which can be ordered as a combo meal with fries and a drink starting at $8.09.

“At Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, our goal has always been to give our customers the highest quality, best tasting burgers anywhere, period,” Haley added.

He further says, “The Steakhouse Thickburger is another great example of that. It’s a decadent, premium menu item that not only helps to distinguish our chains among traditional fast food players, but even exceeds the taste, flavour and quality of the supposedly ‘better burger’ brands.”

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s will promote the Steakhouse Thickburger with a highly stylistic new ad titled “Table Setting.” Developed by Los Angeles- and Amsterdam-based creative agency 72andSunny, the commercial will begin airing on TV nationally on December 14 as well as on the chains’ YouTube channels.