Securing the right financing is the single most important step you can take when launching a Hardee's franchise. Understanding your options for a Hardee's franchise loan - from SBA programs to equipment financing - can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars and accelerate your path to opening day. This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of funding your Hardee's restaurant investment, from breaking down the initial costs to showing you exactly how to qualify and apply.
The quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry remains one of the most resilient sectors in the American economy. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, limited-service restaurants continue posting strong year-over-year sales growth, making brands like Hardee's a compelling franchise investment with documented performance metrics to support your loan application.
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Hardee's is one of America's most established quick-service restaurant brands, founded in 1960 by Wilber Hardee in Greenville, North Carolina. Today it operates as part of CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. - the same parent company as Carl's Jr. - with more than 3,700 locations concentrated in the Midwest and Southeastern United States. The brand is famous for its "Made from Scratch" biscuits, Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, and premium Black Angus Thickburgers, giving it a distinct identity in a crowded fast-food market.
Investing in a Hardee's franchise means joining a proven system with decades of brand recognition. CKE provides franchisees with comprehensive support from day one, including site selection analysis, proprietary training programs, national advertising campaigns, and a dedicated Franchise Business Consultant (FBC). The brand's Average Unit Volume (AUV) of approximately $1.2 million annually gives lenders and investors a clear benchmark for evaluating potential returns. Multi-unit development agreements are also available for entrepreneurs who want to build a portfolio of locations.
For prospective owners, the franchise model offers a compelling alternative to starting from scratch. As noted by Forbes, franchise businesses benefit from established brand equity, tested operational systems, and supplier relationships that independent restaurants must build over years. This operational infrastructure is also a major factor lenders weigh when approving small business loans for franchise investments.
Franchise Fast Fact: According to the International Franchise Association, franchise businesses generate over $860 billion in economic output annually and employ more than 8.7 million people across the United States - making it one of the most lender-friendly business categories available.
Hardee's corporate requirements for prospective franchisees include a minimum net worth of $1 million and at least $300,000 in liquid capital. These thresholds signal to lenders that the franchisee candidate has the financial resources to sustain operations during the ramp-up period. Understanding how to structure your financing to meet both Hardee's requirements and lender underwriting standards is where the right financing partner makes all the difference.
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Apply NowThe primary keyword driving most franchise research is hardees franchise cost - and for good reason. Before you can secure a Hardee's franchise loan, you need a precise picture of what you're financing. CKE Restaurants estimates the total initial investment for a new Hardee's restaurant ranges from approximately $1.2 million to $2.1 million, though real-world costs often reach $2.5 million or more for premium markets. Here is a detailed breakdown:
| Expense Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Real Estate & Site Development | $400,000 - $1,000,000+ |
| Building & Construction | $500,000 - $800,000 |
| Equipment, Signage & Decor | $350,000 - $450,000 |
| Pre-Opening Expenses | $60,000 - $100,000 |
| Working Capital (3 months) | $50,000 - $150,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $1,395,000 - $2,535,000+ |
Source: CKE Restaurants Franchise Disclosure Document. Figures are estimates; actual costs vary by market, site type, and construction conditions. Always consult the current FDD for the most up-to-date information.
This one-time fee grants you the right to operate under the Hardee's brand, access CKE's proprietary systems, training programs, and ongoing support infrastructure. For multi-unit development agreements, CKE may offer modified fee structures on subsequent locations.
Real estate is typically the largest and most variable cost component. Whether you purchase land outright or lease a pad site dramatically affects your upfront cash requirement. Site work - including surveys, grading, permitting, utilities, paving, and landscaping - can add substantially to costs depending on the condition of the property. Premium markets in high-traffic suburban corridors drive costs toward the upper end of this range.
CKE provides prototypical building designs, but final construction costs depend on local labor rates, material pricing, and the specific prototype selected. A freestanding drive-through unit with full dining room will cost more than an end-cap or non-traditional location. Construction timelines typically run 6-12 months from permit approval.
The equipment package includes commercial charbroilers, fryers, biscuit ovens, walk-in coolers and freezers, food prep stations, ventilation systems, and full-service drive-through technology. Equipment financing is an excellent tool to isolate this cost and preserve working capital from your primary loan. Exterior signage - including the Hardee's pylon sign and digital menu boards - is a significant line item within this category.
These costs include initial food and paper inventory, crew training expenses, grand opening marketing, business licenses, and permits. First-year insurance premiums are also commonly paid upfront.
Working capital is consistently underestimated by first-time franchisees. It covers payroll, rent, utilities, insurance, and operational overhead during the ramp-up period before your restaurant reaches stable cash flow. Lenders require evidence of adequate reserves as part of their underwriting, and Crestmont Capital can help you structure a business line of credit alongside your primary loan for ongoing liquidity needs.
Beyond startup costs, Hardee's franchisees pay a 4% royalty on gross sales and a 4-5% advertising contribution. These fees must be factored into your cash flow projections when calculating debt service coverage ratios for your loan application.
A Hardee's franchise loan is rarely a single product. Most successful franchisees build a layered financing strategy using multiple instruments to cover different cost categories at optimal terms. Here are the primary options available:
The SBA 7(a) is the most versatile government-backed loan program available. It can fund the franchise fee, construction, equipment, and working capital under one loan with terms up to 25 years for real estate and 10 years for other purposes. Loan amounts go up to $5 million, and down payments can be as low as 10%. The SBA Franchise Directory pre-approves established brands like Hardee's, which streamlines lender underwriting and speeds approvals. Learn more about SBA loans from Crestmont Capital.
The 504 program is specifically designed for major fixed assets - commercial real estate and long-life equipment. It uses a three-party structure: your lender (Crestmont Capital) funds 50%, a Certified Development Company (CDC) funds 40% with an SBA-guaranteed debenture at a below-market fixed rate, and you contribute 10-15% down. This structure delivers superior long-term fixed-rate financing for the largest portion of your investment, providing cost certainty over a 20-25 year horizon. For details, visit SBA.gov.
Traditional bank term loans provide a lump-sum disbursement with fixed or variable rate repayment. For franchise startups, they typically require 20-30% down and a credit score above 700. The proven Hardee's model significantly helps with approval, as lenders see documented AUV and franchisor support reducing operational risk.
Equipment financing isolates the $350,000-$450,000 kitchen and technology package into a self-contained loan where the equipment serves as its own collateral. This frees capital from your SBA or term loan for real estate, construction, and working capital. Crestmont Capital's equipment financing programs are structured specifically for restaurant operators with competitive rates and 5-7 year terms.
A revolving business line of credit provides on-demand access to capital for inventory, seasonal cash flow gaps, emergency repairs, or local marketing campaigns. It functions like a credit card but with significantly higher limits and lower rates. Establishing a line at opening gives you a financial buffer during the ramp-up period without tying up term loan funds.
For existing Hardee's owners facing remodel requirements, equipment upgrades, or expansion opportunities on short timelines, fast business loans deliver capital with minimal documentation and rapid approval - sometimes within 24-48 hours. These are particularly valuable when a time-sensitive opportunity or mandatory franchise upgrade arises.
ROBS allows entrepreneurs to use qualified retirement funds (401k or IRA) as equity for their franchise without triggering early withdrawal penalties. A properly structured ROBS creates a C-corporation that establishes a new 401k plan, which then purchases stock in the business. This can fund your required equity injection debt-free. ROBS requires specialized ERISA counsel and ongoing compliance, but for those with substantial retirement savings, it significantly reduces the borrowed capital needed.
Hardee's Franchise by the Numbers
Key Stats for Prospective Franchisees
$1.2M
Average annual unit volume per Hardee's location
3,700+
Hardee's locations operating across the U.S. and internationally
$1M
Minimum net worth required by Hardee's corporate
$300K
Minimum liquid capital required by Hardee's corporate
8%
Combined royalty + advertising fee rate (4% + 4-5%)
$5M
Maximum SBA 7(a) loan amount - covers most Hardee's projects
Many aspiring franchisees ask whether they should finance their Hardee's or try to fund it entirely from personal savings. The strategic answer is almost always financing - and here is why:
Deploying all available cash into a single asset leaves you with no buffer for the unexpected. Equipment failures, slower-than-projected ramp-up periods, unexpected construction costs, or sudden staffing needs can all emerge in the first 12 months. Keeping a substantial cash reserve - funded by a well-structured loan - dramatically improves your odds of weathering early challenges and reaching profitability.
Business loan interest is generally tax-deductible as a business expense. Equipment financing under Section 179 of the IRS code may allow you to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment in the year it is placed in service, which can substantially reduce your tax burden in Year 1. A qualified CPA familiar with franchise operations can help you maximize these benefits.
Responsibly servicing a commercial loan builds your business credit profile, which opens doors to better terms on future financing - whether for remodels, additional locations, or emergency capital. Multi-unit operators consistently cite access to capital as the engine of their portfolio growth.
The QSR market rewards speed. When a prime location becomes available, franchisees who have financing pre-arranged can move decisively. Those who must liquidate assets or wait for cash accumulation often lose competitive sites to faster-moving operators. As CNBC has reported, franchise growth continues to accelerate - meaning desirable markets fill up quickly.
SBA loan rates are pegged to the prime rate with a modest spread and are capped by the SBA, making them among the most affordable financing options for franchise startups. Long repayment terms further reduce monthly payments, keeping your debt service coverage ratio strong and cash flow healthy from day one.
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Get Pre-QualifiedUnderstanding the step-by-step process of securing a Hardee's franchise loan removes the mystery and helps you prepare effectively. Here is what to expect from application through funding:
The Hardee's Franchise Financing Process
Complete a brief application with Crestmont Capital. We assess your credit profile, liquidity, and franchise plans to identify the optimal loan structure. No hard credit pull at this stage.
Your loan specialist provides a document checklist including personal tax returns (2-3 years), personal financial statement, resume, business plan with projections, and Hardee's FDD and Franchise Agreement.
Our underwriters analyze your financial projections, market analysis, and management team qualifications. We may provide guidance to strengthen weak areas before formal submission.
For SBA loans, the complete package is submitted for SBA review. As a preferred lender, Crestmont Capital can make SBA credit decisions in-house, significantly reducing processing time compared to non-preferred lenders.
Upon approval, you receive a formal commitment letter detailing loan amount, term, rate, conditions, and closing requirements. SBA approvals typically take 30-90 days; alternative lending products can approve in days.
Loan documents are executed at closing. Funds are disbursed according to the draw schedule - typically tied to construction milestones for build-out loans. You are now ready to begin site development.
The most common causes of delays in the franchise lending process are incomplete documentation, weak financial projections, and applicants who have not yet executed their Franchise Agreement. Having all documents ready at pre-qualification significantly accelerates timelines. For established operators seeking funding for a remodel or second location, the process is typically faster. Read our comprehensive franchise business loans guide for additional context on how lenders evaluate franchise applications across all QSR brands.
Lenders evaluate franchise loan applications using a framework commonly known as the Five Cs of Credit. Understanding each criterion - and how to optimize your profile against it - is essential for approval.
Personal FICO score is a primary screening metric. SBA and conventional lenders generally require a minimum of 680, with scores above 720 earning the most competitive rates. Beyond credit score, lenders review the full credit report for red flags: bankruptcies within the past 7-10 years, unresolved collections, or a pattern of delinquencies can be disqualifying for prime programs. Management experience in the restaurant or hospitality industry is weighted heavily - it demonstrates operational competency and reduces lender risk. First-time franchisees without QSR experience should consider hiring a seasoned general manager and including their resume in the loan package.
Since new franchises have no operating history, lenders rely on detailed financial projections to assess your ability to service the debt. Your projections should be built from conservative assumptions using Hardee's FDD Item 19 data (financial performance representations) and comparable location performance in similar markets. The Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) - net operating income divided by annual debt payments - should ideally be 1.25 or higher. This means for every $1.00 of debt payment, the business generates $1.25 in net income, providing a safety margin lenders require.
You cannot borrow 100% of the project cost. SBA loans typically require a 10-20% equity injection from unborrowed personal funds. For a $2 million project, this means contributing $200,000-$400,000 from personal savings, asset sales, or a ROBS transaction. Lenders will verify and document the source of your equity - borrowed funds are not eligible as the required injection. This is why Hardee's minimum $300,000 liquid capital requirement is specifically relevant: it aligns with most lenders' down payment expectations.
Business assets financed (real estate, equipment, improvements) serve as primary collateral. For SBA loans, all owners with 20% or more equity stake must provide a personal guarantee, pledging their personal assets if the business defaults. If business collateral falls short of the loan amount, lenders may require a second lien on personal real estate. Collateral requirements are generally less stringent for SBA loans because the government guarantee reduces lender exposure.
The QSR industry's resilience and Hardee's brand strength work in your favor. Lenders also review the franchise agreement terms, the specific market you're entering, and the competitive landscape. A location in a high-traffic corridor with limited direct Hardee's competition within a defined radius strengthens your application considerably. Supporting your projections with third-party market research data - traffic counts, demographic studies, competitive analysis - demonstrates thoroughness and professionalism that underwriters respond to positively.
Pro Tip from Crestmont Capital: The single most effective thing you can do to improve your franchise loan approval odds is to submit a professionally prepared business plan with detailed, well-sourced financial projections. A generic template with optimistic numbers is the quickest way to trigger requests for additional documentation or a decline. Our team helps clients build compelling applications.
As the #1 business lender in the United States, Crestmont Capital brings specific expertise to Hardee's and QSR franchise financing. We are not a generalist bank that occasionally processes a franchise loan. Our team has structured hundreds of multi-product financing packages for quick-service restaurant operators across every major brand, giving us pattern recognition and underwriting insight that translates directly into better loan terms and faster approvals for our clients.
The most successful Hardee's franchise financing structures combine multiple products: an SBA 504 or 7(a) loan for real estate and construction, a separate equipment financing agreement for the kitchen package, and a revolving line of credit for operational liquidity. Crestmont Capital coordinates all three - eliminating the complexity of working with multiple lenders and ensuring each component is optimally structured. We also advise on ROBS structures in partnership with qualified ERISA counsel when retirement funds can reduce the borrowing requirement.
Our preferred lender designation with the SBA means we make credit decisions in-house without waiting for SBA direct review. This can cut 3-6 weeks off the approval timeline compared to non-preferred lenders - critical when a lease needs to be signed or a construction start date is fixed.
When you apply with Crestmont Capital, you are assigned a single dedicated specialist who manages your file from application through funding. There are no handoffs, no call centers, and no waiting for callback queues. Your specialist understands the Hardee's business model, the FDD, and the specific documentation lenders need, which means fewer back-and-forth requests and a smoother path to closing. We've guided franchise owners of all sizes and experience levels through this process - from first-time buyers to 30-unit multi-concept operators adding Hardee's to their portfolios.
Our relationship with franchise clients extends beyond opening day. As your Hardee's grows, Crestmont Capital is positioned to support remodel financing, equipment upgrades, additional location acquisition, and refinancing opportunities as rates change. This lifecycle approach is why so many of our clients become long-term partners who return for each capital event in their business development. Browse our franchise business loan resources for additional guidance, or explore our full range of small business loan products to understand all available options.
Abstract financing concepts become clearer through concrete examples. Below are six illustrative scenarios showing how different Hardee's franchise operators might structure their funding with Crestmont Capital.
Profile: Jennifer, former QSR regional manager, credit score 740, $280,000 liquid savings, no prior business ownership. She has signed a single-unit franchise agreement and secured a pad site lease in a growing suburb.
Total Project Cost: $1.85 million | Real estate buildout: $1.1M, Equipment: $420K, Working capital and fees: $330K
Solution: SBA 7(a) loan for $1.665M (90% of project). Jennifer injects $185,000 (10% down). She retains $95,000 in reserves. Term: 25-year blended, covering all project components under one loan.
Outcome: Monthly payments are manageable at the extended term. Crestmont Capital's preferred lender status secured approval in 47 days. Jennifer opened on schedule with a healthy cash reserve for the first 90 days of operation.
Profile: Marcus, owns four Sonic Drive-In locations, net worth $3.2M, seeking to add two Hardee's under a multi-unit development agreement. He intends to purchase land for the first location outright and construct a freestanding building.
Total Project Cost: $2.3 million (land purchase + full construction)
Solution: SBA 504 loan structure. Crestmont Capital provides first mortgage of $1.15M (50%). CDC provides $920K at fixed rate (40%). Marcus injects $230K (10%). Separately, a $380,000 equipment financing agreement covers the kitchen package. Marcus's total out-of-pocket is $610,000, preserving substantial capital for Location 2.
Outcome: The 504 CDC debenture locks in a long-term fixed rate on $920K, eliminating rate risk on that portion for 20 years. The equipment loan's shorter 7-year term aligns with equipment replacement cycles. Marcus opens Location 1 on budget and begins Development Agreement planning for Location 2 within 18 months.
Profile: Diana has operated her Hardee's successfully for seven years. Her franchise renewal requires a brand refresh - new digital menu boards, kitchen equipment upgrades, and dining room renovation. Total remodel: $310,000. Her restaurant generates $1.4M annually in revenue.
Solution: Equipment financing for $160,000 (new kitchen equipment and digital boards) plus a short-term business loan for $150,000 (dining room renovation and cosmetic work). The equipment loan uses the new equipment as collateral; the short-term loan is underwritten against Diana's business cash flow. Total monthly payment: approximately $4,800 across both products.
Outcome: Diana gets precisely targeted financing without refinancing her underlying real estate loan or tapping her operating line. Approvals completed in 11 business days. Post-remodel, her average ticket and throughput increase enough to cover the new debt service within four months.
Profile: Robert wants to buy a profitable Hardee's from a retiring franchisee. The business is appraised at $1.6 million including real estate. It has 5 years of operating history showing $1.3M annual revenue and consistent profitability.
Solution: SBA 7(a) acquisition loan for $1.44M (90% of purchase price). Robert injects $160,000. Because the business has operating history, the underwriting relies on actual financials rather than projections, strengthening the application considerably.
Outcome: Acquisition financing is approved with 25-year term. Robert takes over a cash-flow-positive business from day one, making debt service straightforward. Existing staff, supplier relationships, and customer base are transferred intact.
Profile: Samantha opened her first Hardee's three years ago with an SBA 7(a) loan from Crestmont Capital. Her unit has performed above projected AUV. She has identified a second location opportunity and needs to move quickly to secure the lease before a competitor does.
Solution: Because of Samantha's strong track record and existing relationship with Crestmont Capital, a new SBA 7(a) loan for the second unit is processed through pre-approved channels. Her history of on-time payments and above-average performance accelerates underwriting significantly. A fast business loan bridge is used to secure the lease deposit while the SBA loan completes processing.
Outcome: Samantha signs the lease within 10 days. Full SBA funding closes 52 days later. Her restaurant portfolio now generates combined revenue of approximately $2.8M annually.
Profile: Kevin is 48, has $520,000 in a 401(k) from a corporate career, and is pursuing his first franchise ownership. He has strong management experience but limited liquid savings outside retirement accounts. Total project cost: $1.9 million.
Solution: Kevin works with a ROBS specialist to roll $250,000 from his 401(k) into a new C-corporation's retirement plan, which then invests in company stock. This provides his $190,000 equity injection (10%) plus a cash reserve, debt-free. Crestmont Capital then finances the remaining $1.71M through an SBA 7(a) loan with Kevin's injected ROBS capital satisfying the equity requirement.
Outcome: Kevin avoids early withdrawal penalties, reduces his total borrowed amount, and opens his Hardee's with a strong balance sheet. The ROBS structure is properly maintained through annual compliance filings, protecting its tax advantages.
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Apply NowThe total estimated investment ranges from approximately $1.2 million to $2.5 million or more, depending on location type, real estate market, and construction costs. CKE Restaurants' FDD provides the most current detailed breakdown. The franchise fee alone is $35,000, and total real estate and construction typically account for 60-70% of the total.
Hardee's corporate requires a minimum of $300,000 in liquid assets. Most lenders require a 10-20% equity injection from unborrowed personal funds. For a $1.8 million project, expect to need $180,000-$360,000 in cash for the down payment, plus additional reserves for working capital. ROBS is an option for those whose liquid savings are primarily in retirement accounts.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most versatile choice for new Hardee's franchisees - they can cover all project costs under one program with terms up to 25 years. SBA 504 loans are ideal if you are purchasing land and building from scratch, as they offer long-term fixed rates on the real estate portion. Many franchisees combine an SBA loan with a separate equipment financing agreement for the optimal structure.
Most SBA and conventional lenders require a personal FICO score of 680 or higher. Scores above 720 secure the best rates and terms. Crestmont Capital works with a broader range of credit profiles and can often find viable options for qualified applicants with scores in the 650-680 range depending on other compensating factors.
Yes. SBA 7(a) loans are fully eligible for business acquisition. Buying an existing, operating Hardee's with documented cash flow history often makes underwriting easier than projecting for a new build, since lenders can evaluate actual performance data rather than projections.
SBA loan approvals typically take 30-90 days from complete application submission. Crestmont Capital's preferred lender status eliminates the SBA direct review queue, typically saving 3-6 weeks. Alternative lending products like equipment financing or short-term loans can approve in 1-5 business days. Being fully prepared with all documents at pre-qualification is the single best way to shorten the timeline.
Standard documentation includes: 2-3 years personal and business tax returns, personal financial statement, bank statements (3-6 months), detailed business plan with financial projections, management resume, Hardee's FDD and signed Franchise Agreement, site lease or purchase agreement, and construction bids or cost estimates. For acquisitions, you also need 2-3 years of the target business's financials.
Restaurant experience is not a formal requirement but significantly strengthens your application. Lenders want evidence that you can operate the business profitably. If you lack direct QSR experience, hiring a highly qualified general manager with a strong track record and including their resume in your loan package is an effective compensating factor.
Hardee's franchisees pay a royalty fee of 4% of gross sales plus an advertising contribution of 4-5% of gross sales. These fees must be factored into your cash flow projections and debt service coverage ratio calculations when applying for financing.
Yes. Working capital can be included in an SBA 7(a) loan and is a standard component of most franchise startup packages. Lenders typically require 3-6 months of operating expenses to be funded at closing. Additionally, establishing a business line of credit alongside your term loan gives you a revolving buffer for ongoing liquidity needs.
Yes. Business assets (real estate, equipment, improvements) serve as primary collateral. Personal guarantees from all owners with 20% or greater stake are standard. SBA loans may also require a lien on personal real estate if business collateral is insufficient to cover the full loan amount. Equipment financing uses the equipment itself as standalone collateral, making it easier to qualify for separately.
The SBA 7(a) is a flexible all-purpose loan covering real estate, construction, equipment, fees, and working capital in one package. The SBA 504 is specifically for fixed assets - land and buildings - using a two-lender structure that delivers a long-term fixed rate from a CDC on 40% of the project. The 504 is typically better when land ownership and rate certainty are priorities; the 7(a) is better when simplicity and versatility are priorities.
CKE Restaurants does not offer direct financing to franchisees. They may maintain relationships with preferred lenders, but franchisees are free to secure financing from any qualified lender. Working with an independent franchise lender like Crestmont Capital ensures you are getting the most competitive available terms rather than a relationship rate that may favor the franchisor's preferred lender network.
Yes. A properly structured ROBS plan allows you to use 401(k) or IRA funds to capitalize your franchise business without early withdrawal penalties. The funds are used to purchase stock in your new C-corporation, which then injects that capital into the business to satisfy the lender's equity requirement. ROBS requires specialized legal and compliance expertise and ongoing IRS/DOL compliance filings.
Crestmont Capital is the #1 rated business lender in the U.S. with specific expertise in QSR franchise financing. Our preferred SBA lender status accelerates approvals. We offer the full spectrum of products - SBA 7(a), SBA 504, equipment financing, lines of credit, and fast business loans - and can structure them into a single cohesive package tailored to your specific Hardee's project. Our dedicated specialists guide you from application through funding with no handoffs or delays.
Getting started with Crestmont Capital is straightforward. Here is exactly what to do to begin your financing journey:
Visit offers.crestmontcapital.com/apply-now and complete our secure application in minutes. Provide basic information about your franchise plans, financial profile, and funding needs. No hard credit pull at this stage.
Within one business day, a Crestmont Capital franchise loan specialist will contact you to review your application, discuss your specific project, and identify the optimal loan structure. They will provide a clear document checklist and set realistic expectations for timelines and terms.
Gather personal and business tax returns, personal financial statements, bank statements, your business plan with 3-year projections, management resume, and all Hardee's franchise documents. Your specialist will review the package before formal submission to identify any gaps.
Your specialist manages the underwriting process and serves as your single point of contact. For SBA loans, our in-house approval authority eliminates the wait for SBA direct review. You receive a commitment letter with terms, rate, and closing conditions.
Loan documents are executed at closing and funds are disbursed per the agreed draw schedule. Construction and equipment funding flows as milestones are reached. Working capital is released at closing. Your Hardee's development is officially funded and underway.
Opening a Hardee's franchise is a significant financial undertaking - but it is one backed by 60+ years of brand equity, a proven operational system, and strong unit-level economics. The hardees franchise cost ranges from $1.2 million to $2.5 million or more, and the right Hardee's franchise loan strategy transforms that investment from an obstacle into a structured, manageable path to business ownership.
The most successful Hardee's franchisees approach financing strategically: using SBA loans for their favorable terms and government backing, separating equipment costs into dedicated financing, establishing a line of credit for operational liquidity, and working with a lender who understands the QSR franchise model inside and out. According to AP News, the franchise sector continues to outperform the broader economy in job creation and revenue growth - and lenders recognize that stability.
Crestmont Capital is purpose-built for this kind of financing. As the #1 business lender in the United States, we combine preferred SBA lender status, a full suite of franchise-specific loan products, and dedicated specialist service to deliver faster approvals, better terms, and a smoother path to your opening day. Whether you are a first-time buyer financing your first Hardee's or an experienced operator adding to your portfolio, we have the expertise and capacity to make it happen.
The next step is simple: apply online today and speak with a franchise loan specialist who will build a custom financing package for your specific Hardee's project. Your future restaurant is waiting - and so is the capital to make it a reality.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.