History and Leadership Changes - In 1941, Carl Karcher entered the fast food market by purchasing a hot dog cart. - In 1956, Karcher opened the first Carls Jr. restaurants. - In 1996, CKE acquired Rallys and Taco Bueno. - In 1997, CKE acquired Hardees. - Andrew Puzder was named CEO of CKE Restaurants in 2000. - Jason Marker was appointed CEO in 2017. - Ned Lyerly became CEO in 2019. - CKE Restaurants had a lawsuit filed against them in 2018 alleging age discrimination by CEO Jason Marker.

Fundraising and Social Initiatives - CKE Restaurants conducts an annual Stars for Heroes fundraising campaign for US military veterans. - Stars for Heroes raised nearly US$5 million by 2015. - The campaign started in 2011 and solicits donations from customers at Hardees and Carls Jr. restaurants. - CKE Restaurants partners with various organizations to support veterans. - Hardees and Carls Jr. raised $1.4 million for US military charities. - PETA reached a deal with Hardees and Carls Jr. in 2007. - CKE Restaurants committed to ending gestation crate pig confinement in 2012. - Hardees and Carls Jr. committed to group sow housing. - Carls Jr. introduced a vegan-friendly breakfast burrito with Beyond Meat.

International Expansion - CKE Restaurants has over 3,800 franchised or company-operated restaurants. - These restaurants are located in 44 US states and 43 foreign countries and US territories. - CKE Restaurants has a significant international presence. - The company operates in various global markets. - CKE Restaurants continues to expand its international footprint.

Resignation and Withdrawal of Andy Puzder - Andy Puzder resigned as CEO of CKE Restaurants in 2017. - Puzder withdrew his nomination for the position of Secretary of Labor. - His resignation and withdrawal were covered by CNBC, Politico, NPR, and CBS News. - The Century Foundation mapped Andy Puzder's labor violations.

Labor Violations and Controversial Marketing - Puzder's company, CKE Restaurants, was accused of underpaying workers. - Carls Jr. workers detailed mistreatment at Puzder's restaurants. - The National Employment Law Project reported on the mistreatment. - Carls Jr. debuted a sexist Super Bowl commercial in 2015. - Carls Jr. has had various controversial ads throughout the years. - The ads featured celebrities like Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, and Heidi Klum. - Copy-testing firm Ad Age stated that sex doesn't sell, especially for Carls Jr.