Hardee's

Hardee’s set out to modernize its national restaurant network with a scalable refresh and remodel program that could work across both corporate and franchise locations. With site conditions varying widely across the country, the brand needed a turnkey design solution that could be adapted efficiently for each property while remaining economical for owners to implement. 

A key goal was to improve traffic flow, brand visibility, and customer experience, all without disrupting operations or overburdening franchisees. Hardee’s was looking for a partner with the design expertise and operational strength to develop a repeatable model that balanced cost, quality, and brand impact. 

Principle partnered closely with the Hardee’s corporate team to design and deliver a comprehensive refresh program tailored for national rollout.

Our scope included:

Exterior Signage & LED Lighting Treatments: Engineered to maximize visibility, strengthen brand presence, and improve nighttime recognition.

Construction Services: Supporting remodel work and onsite modifications necessary to implement the new design standards.

Material Specifications: Selected to ensure durability, consistency, and cost-effectiveness across diverse restaurant formats.

Manufacturing & Installation: Coordinated through trusted partners to deliver consistent quality at scale.

Turnkey Project Management: Managing timelines, vendor partners, permitting needs, and implementation across both corporate and franchise sites.

The design system was purpose built to be adaptable, allowing each location to apply the update in a way that honored local constraints while still achieving a unified brand look and feel.

The Hardee’s refresh and remodel program delivered a cohesive, modern brand presence across a wide range of corporate and franchise locations. Strategic LED lighting treatments improved nighttime visibility, while the updated exterior signage strengthened curb appeal and brand recognition.

By providing a cost-effective, scalable design package supported by full project management, Principle made it easier for franchisees and corporate partners to implement updates quickly and consistently, strengthening the Hardee’s brand across the national footprint.