CARPINTERIA, Calif. – Plans are in the works for developing as many as 88 new Hardee's restaurants throughout the greater Tampa, Fla., area during the next several years, announced parent company CKE Restaurants Inc. Hardee's currently operates 12 locations within the Tampa metro-area.

Hardee's is ranked among the highest-quality and best-tasting brands in the burger segment and recognized for its consistent track record of sales growth and solid unit economics, said Ned Lyerly, CKE's executive vice president of Global Franchise Development. "We are excited to expand in the Tampa area, and we're now looking for experienced multi-unit operators to join the brand,” he added.

Hardee's Food Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants Inc. of Carpinteria, Calif. The company, through its subsidiaries, operates 3,243 franchised or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 25 countries, including 1,313 Carl's Jr. restaurants and 1,912 Hardee's restaurants.