Hardee’s recently honored several franchisee owners/groups, including the Hardee’s of Albert Lea, with awards for stellar performance in 2009. The award categories reflected positive sales and operation performance in the calendar year 2009 and were presented at a special awards banquet held in St. Louis on June 29.

In addition to the specific categories for sales and operational excellence, the company honored MRG Management, owners and operators of the Albert Lea Hardee’s, with the prestigious Franchise of the Year Award in the category of five to 20 units. This award is given to the franchise company which, among other things, exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, teamwork and community involvement.

“Hardee’s continued success is due in large part to the hard work and dedication of our franchisees,” said Michael Murphy, president and chief legal officer of CKE Restaurants Inc. “All of our franchise award winners share Hardee’s commitment to providing guests with the best food, service and dining experience in the industry. It is a pleasure to have them on the Hardee’s team. It is our hope that all of our owners and operators are inspired and motivated by these great achievements and will continue to help lead us to a successful 2010 and beyond.”