Major burger chain franchisee files for bankruptcy, raising questions about dozens of locations 

A major burger chain franchisee has sought bankruptcy protection after years of operating restaurants across the country, putting the future of dozens of locations under scrutiny. The filing comes as restaurant operators continue to contend with rising costs, expensive repairs, and other financial pressures.

Franchisee files for Chapter 11

Superior Star LLC, a franchisee of Hardee’s, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on July 9, 2026. The company operated 59 Hardee’s restaurants across 10 states and reported approximately $80 million in gross revenue during 2025.

The bankruptcy filing follows a period of financial challenges for the restaurant operator. Superior Star pointed to unexpected maintenance and repair expenses, unpaid taxes, food costs, and financial difficulties connected to its acquisition of the restaurants as factors contributing to its problems.

Hardee’s, which is part of CKE Restaurants, relies heavily on franchisees to operate its restaurants. That means a bankruptcy involving a large franchise operator can affect numerous individual locations without representing a bankruptcy of the Hardee’s chain itself.

Costs put pressure on restaurant operator

Superior Star’s financial difficulties highlight some of the challenges facing restaurant franchisees across the country. Operators must contend with food and labor expenses while also covering rent, repairs, taxes, insurance, and other fixed costs.

The company’s Chapter 11 filing is designed to give it an opportunity to restructure its finances while continuing to operate during the bankruptcy process. Chapter 11 generally allows businesses to remain open while working with creditors and the court on a plan to address their debts.

The filing does not mean all 59 Hardee’s restaurants will close. The company could ultimately restructure, sell individual locations, or make other changes as it works through the bankruptcy process.

For Hardee’s customers, the situation means the future of some restaurants could depend on how Superior Star’s restructuring unfolds. The filing also illustrates the financial strain that can affect even large franchise operators with dozens of locations.

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