Joe Guith Takes On Leadership Role as CEO of CKE Restaurants Amid Brand Expansion Plans

CKE Restaurants Welcomes Joe Guith as New CEO

On March 6, 2025, CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., the parent company of the famous Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's®, proudly announced the appointment of Joe Guith as its new Chief Executive Officer. Guith's appointment is seen as a significant step in the direction of growth and innovation for the brand.

A Leader With Proven Experience

Joe Guith comes to CKE Restaurants with a wealth of experience in the food industry, particularly in the realms of franchising and restaurant management. Before this appointment, he served as the CEO of Church's Texas Chicken, where he revitalized the brand. Under his leadership, the company achieved a surge in unit-level profitability, record sales, and increased customer traffic. His strategic vision led to the expansion of Church's Texas Chicken into more than 1,500 locations across 23 countries.

Guith's background includes over 20 years of diverse industry experience, which encompasses senior leadership roles at notable companies like GoTo Foods (previously known as Focus Brands), McAlister's Deli, Cinnabon, and The Coca-Cola Company. This impressive track record in brand management and growth positions him as a key player in enhancing the CKE brand portfolio.

A Vision for Carl's Jr. and Hardee's

Upon his appointment, Joe Guith expressed enthusiasm for joining CKE Restaurants, saying, "I am honored to join such a respected and iconic company. Carl's Jr. and Hardee's have a rich history of delivering craveable flavors and exceptional service, and I am eager to work with the talented team and franchisees to build on this legacy." His words reflect a commitment to both preserving the heritage of these brands and pursuing future innovation.

Sarah Spiegel, a board member at CKE and interim CEO, echoed the sentiment of excitement surrounding Guith's leadership. She stated, "Joe brings a blend of industry expertise and visionary leadership that perfectly aligns with our goals for Carl's Jr. and Hardee's. We are confident that his proven track record in brand growth and operational excellence will drive our company forward, allowing us to reach new levels of success and innovation."

CKE Restaurants: A Brief Overview

CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. is a privately held company based in Franklin, Tennessee, operating the beloved Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's® brands, which are renowned for their premium and innovative offerings, such as chargrilled burgers and Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™. With a robust presence both domestically and internationally, the company operates over 3,600 franchised or company-owned locations in more than 35 markets and U.S. territories.

Under Guith's leadership, there is great anticipation about the potential advancements CKE Restaurants will experience. The integration of his proven strategies could re-energize the brands and captivate consumers in new and exciting ways.

For more information about CKE Restaurants and its offerings, visit their official websites at Carl's Jr. and Hardee's.

The food industry is eagerly watching as Joe Guith embarks on what many hope will be a transformative journey for both Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, bringing new life to these stalwart brands while maintaining their cherished legacy in the fast-food landscape.