Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. (CKE Restaurants)
Risk Level:
Summary:
Hardee's, located on the East Coast, and Carl's Jr., located on the West Coast, are fast food restaurants owned by CKE Restaurants. Hardee's and Carl's Jr. have stayed out of politics and avoided cancel culture. Hardee's and Carl's Jr. have not used its corporate funds or reputation to advance ideological causes hostile to freedom of expression. The fast-food chain has not discriminated against religious organizations but instead supported them. Hardee's/Carl's Jr. has not publicly terminated any business relationships due to beliefs. However, this fast-food chain does not protect its employees against viewpoint discrimination. For these reasons, Hardee's/Carl's Jr. receives a Lower Risk rating.
Has denied service to customers, suppliers, or vendors due to their political views or religious beliefs OR corporately boycotts, divests, or sanctions regions, people groups, or industries.
Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. has not publicly terminated business relationships due to political or religious differences.
Charitable giving (including employee matching programs) policies or practices discriminate against charitable organizations based on views or religious beliefs.
Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. parent company CKE Restaurants has the Shining Star Foundation which donates to any CKE employee who is facing a hardship. This includes: “Natural disasters such as flood, fire, tornado, earthquake, hurricane, etc. that creates a need for assistance beyond employee’s capabilities. Damage to home or living environment, fires, or other unusual unforeseen expenses not covered by insurance. Serious illnesses or injuries to the employee, loss of an immediate family member, or other emergency situations beyond the capabilities of the employee to handle alone” (1)(2). Due to the foundation’s mission, religious organizations are not discriminated against. Additionally, Carl’s Jr. has used its corporate funds to donate to many religious organizations which has been attributed in part to its Catholic founder, Carl Karcher (3).
Employment policies fail to protect against discrimination based on political affiliation/views and/or religion.
Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. does not explicitly protect its employees against viewpoint discrimination (1).
Uses corporate reputation to support ideological causes and/or organizations hostile to freedom of expression.
Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. does not use its corporate reputation to advance ideological causes hostile to freedom of expression.
Uses corporate funds to advance ideological causes, organizations, or policies hostile to freedom of expression.
Uses corporate political contributions for ideological, non-business purposes.
Hardee’s/Carl Jr. does not operate a PAC.
All links were last accessed and all information was updated on:
March 23, 2023
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