CKE RESTAURANTS INC - 10-Q - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Insurance News | InsuranceNewsNet

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December 14, 2011 Newswires
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CKE RESTAURANTS INC – 10-Q – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Edgar Online, Inc.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") is intended to provide a reader of financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management on the financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect future results. MD&A is presented in the following sections:

     •   Overview       •   Operating Review       •   Liquidity and Capital Resources       •   Critical Accounting Policies    

• Significant Known Events, Trends, or Uncertainties Expected to Impact

         Fiscal 2012 Comparisons with Fiscal 2011          •   New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Adoption of New          Accounting Pronouncements       •   Presentation of Non-GAAP Measures       •   Certain Financial Information of CKE Holdings, Inc.

The MD&A should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein and the CKE Restaurants, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011.

Overview

CKE Restaurants, Inc. ("CKE"), through its wholly-owned subsidiaries is an international owner, operator and franchisor of quick-service restaurants ("QSR"), operating principally under the Carl's Jr.®, Hardee's®, Green Burrito® and Red Burrito® concepts. Carl's Jr. restaurants are primarily located in the Western and Southwestern United States. Hardee's restaurants are primarily located throughout the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. Green Burrito restaurants are primarily located in dual-branded Carl's Jr. restaurants. The Red Burrito concept is located in dual-branded Hardee's restaurants.  On July 12, 2010, CKE completed a merger with Columbia Lake Acquisition Corp. ("Merger Sub"), a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of CKE Holdings, Inc. ("Parent"), a Delaware corporation, providing for the merger of Merger Sub with and into CKE (the "Merger"), with CKE surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 18, 2010 ("Merger Agreement"). Parent is indirectly controlled by investment entities managed by Apollo Management VII, L.P. ("Apollo Management"). As a result of the Merger, shares of CKE common stock ceased to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange after the close of market on July 12, 2010.  The aggregate consideration for all equity securities of the Company was $704,065, including $10,587 of post-combination share-based compensation expense, and the total debt assumed and refinanced in connection with the Merger was $270,487. The Merger was funded by (i) equity contributions from affiliates of Apollo Management of $436,645, (ii) equity contributions from our senior management of $13,355, (iii) proceeds of $588,510 from the issuance of $600,000 senior secured second lien notes (the "Notes"), and (iv) a senior secured revolving credit facility of $100,000 (the "Credit Facility"), which was undrawn at closing.  

The aforementioned transactions, including the Merger and payment of costs related to these transactions, are collectively referred to as the "Transactions."

  For the purposes of presentation and disclosure, all references to "Predecessor" relate to CKE and its consolidated subsidiaries for periods prior to the Merger. All references to "Successor" relate to CKE and its consolidated subsidiaries merged with Merger Sub for periods subsequent to the Merger. References to "we", "us", "our" and the "Company" relate to the Predecessor for the periods prior to the Merger and to the Successor for periods subsequent to the Merger.                                           21

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  Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)  We have prepared our discussion of the results of operations and cash flows by comparing the Successor forty weeks ended November 7, 2011 to the combined results of operations and cash flows for the Successor sixteen weeks ended November 1, 2010 and Predecessor twenty-four weeks ended July 12, 2010. Although this combined presentation does not comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), we believe that it provides a meaningful method of comparison. The combined operating results have not been prepared on a pro forma basis under applicable regulations and may not reflect the actual results we would have achieved absent the Transactions and may not be predictive of future results of operations.  

Operating Review

  The following tables present the change in our restaurant portfolios, consolidated and by brand, for the trailing-13 periods ended November 7, 2011:                                    Company-                                 operated        Franchised       Licensed        Total      Consolidated:      Open at November 1, 2010         892             1,908            353        3,153      New                                7                43             52          102      Closed                            (8 )             (21 )           (7 )        (36 )      Divested                          -                 (3 )           -            (3 )      Acquired                           3                -              -             3       Open at November 7, 2011         894             1,927            398        3,219                                   Company-                                 operated        Franchised       Licensed        Total      Carl's Jr.:      Open at November 1, 2010         424               675            146        1,245      New                                5                24             31           60      Closed                            (4 )              (7 )           (2 )        (13 )      Divested                          -                 -              -            -      Acquired                          -                 -              -            -       Open at November 7, 2011         425               692            175        1,292                                   Company-                                 operated        Franchised       Licensed        Total      Hardee's:      Open at November 1, 2010         467             1,222            207        1,896      New                                2                19             21           42      Closed                            (3 )             (13 )           (5 )        (21 )      Divested                          -                 (3 )           -            (3 )      Acquired                           3                -              -             3       Open at November 7, 2011         469             1,225            223        1,917                                             22 

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   Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)    Consolidated Fiscal Quarter                                                                        Successor                                                          Twelve                    Twelve                                                       Weeks Ended               Weeks Ended                                                     November 7, 2011          November 1, 2010 Revenue: Company-operated restaurants                       $          256,976        $          250,097 Franchised and licensed restaurants and other                  35,643                    34,690  Total revenue                                                 292,619                   284,787  Operating costs and expenses: Restaurant operating costs                                    214,174                   207,336 Franchised and licensed restaurants and other                  17,907                    16,995 Advertising                                                    15,698                    14,880 General and administrative                                     30,570                    30,033 Facility action charges, net                                      262                       822 Other operating expenses                                           -                        167  Total operating costs and expenses                            278,611                   270,233  Operating income                                               14,008                    14,554 Interest expense                                              (17,415 )                 (18,055 ) Other (expense) income, net                                      (252 )                     803  Loss before income taxes                                       (3,659 )                  (2,698 ) Income tax benefit                                             (2,142 )                  (2,743 )  Net (loss) income                                  $           (1,517 )      $               45   Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA(1): Company-operated restaurants revenue               $          256,976        $          250,097 Less: restaurant operating costs                             (214,174 )                (207,336 ) Add: depreciation and amortization expense                     16,376                    15,180 Less: advertising expense                                     (15,698 )                 (14,880 )  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA                                             $           43,480        $           43,061  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin                                                    16.9 %                    17.2 %  Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA(1): Franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue                                            $           35,643        $           34,690 Less: franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense                                                 (17,907 )                 (16,995 ) Add: depreciation and amortization expense                      1,884                     1,888  Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA               $           19,620        $           19,583     

and franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA under the heading "Presentation of

    Non-GAAP Measures" in this Item 2.                                            23 

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  Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)    Consolidated Year to Date                                                                                                    Successor/                                                                   Successor                    Predecessor                    Successor                  Predecessor                                                                     Forty                         Forty                        Sixteen                   Twenty-Four                                                                  Weeks Ended                   Weeks Ended                   Weeks Ended                 Weeks Ended                                                                November 7, 2011              November 1, 2010              November 1, 2010             July 12, 2010 Revenue: Company-operated restaurants                                  $          871,571            $          836,579            $          336,048            $      500,531 Franchised and licensed restaurants and other                            121,360                       197,356                        45,768                   151,588  Total revenue                                                            992,931                     1,033,935                       381,816                   652,119  Operating costs and expenses: Restaurant operating costs                                               726,356                       691,710                       277,539         

414,171

 Franchised and licensed restaurants and other                             62,225                       137,377                        22,257                   115,120 Advertising                                                               51,158                        49,375                        19,728                    29,647 General and administrative                                               100,876                       109,620                        49,761                    59,859 Facility action charges, net                                                 703                         1,549                           959                       590 Other operating expenses, net                                                545                        30,077                        19,828            

10,249

  Total operating costs and expenses                                       941,863                     1,019,708                       390,072         

629,636

  Operating income (loss)                                                   51,068                        14,227                        (8,256 )                  22,483 Interest expense                                                         (59,626 )                     (32,652 )                     (24,035 )                  (8,617 ) Other (expense) income, net                                               (1,668 )                     (12,641 )                         968          

(13,609 )

  (Loss) income before income taxes                                        (10,226 )                     (31,066 )                     (31,323 )                     257 Income tax (benefit) expense                                              (3,877 )                        (708 )                      (8,480 )                   7,772  Net loss                                                      $           (6,349 )          $          (30,358 )          $          (22,843 )          $       (7,515 )  

Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA(1): Company-operated restaurants revenue

                          $          871,571            $          836,579            $          336,048            $      500,531 Less: restaurant operating costs                                        (726,356 )                    (691,710 )                    (277,539 )                (414,171 ) Add: depreciation and amortization expense                                54,363                        50,624                        20,212                    30,412 Less: advertising expense                                                (51,158 )                     (49,375 )                     (19,728 )                 (29,647 )  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA             $          148,420            $          146,118            $           58,993         

$ 87,125

  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin                                                                      17.0 %                        17.5 %                        17.6 %          

17.4 %

Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA(1): Franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue $ 121,360

            $          197,356            $           45,768         

$ 151,588 Less: franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense

                                                                  (62,225 )                    (137,377 )                     (22,257 )                (115,120 ) Add: depreciation and amortization expense                                 5,942                         3,831                         2,443           

1,388

  Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA                          $           65,077            $           63,810            $           25,954            $       37,856     

(1) Refer to definitions of company-operated restaurant-level non-GAAP measures

and franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA under the heading "Presentation of

    Non-GAAP Measures" in this Item 2.                                            24 

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   Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)    Carl's Jr. Fiscal Quarter                                                                        Successor                                                        Twelve                       Twelve                                                     Weeks Ended                  Weeks Ended                                                   November 7, 2011             November 1, 2010 Company-operated restaurants revenue             $          136,111           $          131,367 Franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue                                                13,855                       13,338  Total revenue                                               149,966                      144,705  Restaurant operating costs: Food and packaging                                           40,929                       38,397 Payroll and other employee benefits                          38,102                       37,171 Occupancy and other                                          35,594                       34,776  Total restaurant operating costs                            114,625                      110,344  Franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense                                                 7,842                        7,214 Advertising expense                                           8,792                        7,893 General and administrative expense                           14,447                       14,117 Facility action charges, net                                    (63 )                        170  Operating income                                 $            4,323           $            4,967  Company-operated average unit volume (trailing-52 weeks)                              $            1,405           $            1,375 Franchise-operated average unit volume (trailing-52 weeks)                              $            1,094           $            1,096 Company-operated same-store sales increase (decrease)                                                      2.0 %                       (5.0 )% Franchise-operated same-store sales decrease                                                       (2.5 )%                      (4.3 )% Company-operated same-store transaction decrease                                                       (0.5 )%                      (3.0 )% Company-operated average check (actual $)        $             6.90           $             6.73 Restaurant operating costs as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue: Food and packaging                                             30.1 %                       29.2 % Payroll and other employee benefits                            28.0 %                       28.3 % Occupancy and other                                            26.2 %                       26.5 % Total restaurant operating costs                               84.2 %                       84.0 % Advertising expense as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue                            6.5 %                        6.0 %  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA(1): Company-operated restaurants revenue             $          136,111           $          131,367 Less: restaurant operating costs                           (114,625 )                   (110,344 ) Add: depreciation and amortization expense                    7,760                        7,557 Less: advertising expense                                    (8,792 )                     (7,893 )  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA                                           $           20,454           $           20,687  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin                                                  15.0 %                       15.7 %  Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA(1): Franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue                                    $           13,855           $           13,338 Less: franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense                                            (7,842 )                     (7,214 ) Add: depreciation and amortization expense                      788                          844  Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA             $            6,801           $            6,968     

(1) Refer to definitions of company-operated restaurant-level non-GAAP measures

and franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA under the heading "Presentation of

    Non-GAAP Measures" in this Item 2.                                            25 

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   Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)    Carl's Jr. Year to Date                                                                             Successor/                                               Successor                 Predecessor                 Successor              Predecessor                                                 Forty                      Forty                     Sixteen               Twenty-Four                                              Weeks Ended                Weeks Ended                Weeks Ended             Weeks Ended                                            November 7, 2011           November 1, 2010           November 1, 2010         July 12, 2010

Company-operated restaurants revenue $ 462,769 $

     447,891         $          176,512        $      271,379 Franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue                                     45,645                    129,623                     17,768               111,855  Total revenue                                        508,414                    577,514                    194,280               383,234  Restaurant operating costs: Food and packaging                                   139,869                    131,182                     51,427                79,755 Payroll and other employee benefits                  130,820                    126,447                     49,619                76,828 Occupancy and other                                  117,291                    112,771                     46,055                66,716  Total restaurant operating costs                     387,980                    370,400                    147,101               223,299  Franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense                                     25,335                    107,667                      9,632                98,035 Advertising expense                                   28,289                     27,262                     10,642                16,620 General and administrative expense                    48,055                     51,845                     23,322                28,523 Facility action charges, net                             127                        378                        210                   168 Gain on sale of Distribution Center assets                                                    -                      (3,442 )                       -                 (3,442 )  Operating income                          $           18,628         $           23,404         $            3,373        $       20,031   Company-operated same-store sales increase (decrease)                                      2.0 %                     (6.2 )% Franchise-operated same-store sales decrease                                                (0.8 )%                    (4.2 )% Company-operated same-store transaction decrease                                    (0.2 )%                    (3.9 )% Company-operated average check (actual $)                                $             6.98         $      

6.80

 Restaurant operating costs as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue: Food and packaging                                      30.2 %                     29.3 % Payroll and other employee benefits                     28.3 %                     28.2 % Occupancy and other                                     25.3 %                     25.2 % Total restaurant operating costs                        83.8 %                     82.7 % Advertising expense as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue                                                  6.1 %              

6.1 %

  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA(1): Company-operated restaurants revenue      $          462,769         $      

447,891 $ 176,512 $ 271,379 Less: restaurant operating costs

                    (387,980 )                 (370,400 )                 (147,101 )            (223,299 ) Add: depreciation and amortization expense                                               26,487                     24,918                     10,084                14,834 Less: advertising expense                            (28,289 )                  (27,262 )                  (10,642 )             (16,620 )  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA                           $           72,987         $           75,147         $           28,853        $       46,294  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin                                  15.8 %                     16.8 %                     16.3 %                17.1 %  Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA(1): Franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue                         $           45,645         $          129,623         $           17,768        $      111,855 Less: franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense                        (25,335 )                 (107,667 )                   (9,632 )             (98,035 ) Add: depreciation and amortization expense                                                2,640                      1,862                      1,110                   752  Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA      $           22,950         $           23,818         $            9,246        $       14,572     

(1) Refer to definitions of company-operated restaurant-level non-GAAP measures

and franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA under the heading "Presentation of

    Non-GAAP Measures" in this Item 2.                                            26 

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   Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)    Hardee's Fiscal Quarter                                                                       Successor                                                        Twelve                     Twelve                                                      Weeks Ended                Weeks Ended                                                   November 7, 2011           November 1, 2010 Company-operated restaurants revenue              $         120,865          $         118,680 Franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue                                                21,664                     21,232  Total revenue                                               142,529                    139,912  Restaurant operating costs: Food and packaging                                           37,835                     35,461 Payroll and other employee benefits                          34,381                     34,499 Occupancy and other                                          27,326                     26,956  Total restaurant operating costs                             99,542                     96,916  Franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense                                                10,065                      9,781 Advertising expense                                           6,906                      6,987 General and administrative expense                           16,124                     15,917 Facility action charges, net                                    326                        651  Operating income                                  $           9,566          $           9,660   Company-operated average unit volume (trailing-52 weeks)                               $           1,102          $           1,039 Franchise-operated average unit volume (trailing-52 weeks)                               $           1,045          $           1,002 Company-operated same-store sales increase                      1.8 %                      8.3 % Franchise-operated same-store sales increase                    1.3 %                      7.4 % Company-operated same-store transaction (decrease) increase                                            (1.5 )%                     3.3 % Company-operated average check (actual $)         $            5.30          $            5.16 Restaurant operating costs as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue: Food and packaging                                             31.3 %                     29.9 % Payroll and other employee benefits                            28.4 %                     29.1 % Occupancy and other                                            22.6 %                     22.7 % Total restaurant operating costs                               82.4 %                     81.7 % Advertising expense as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue                            5.7 %                      5.9 %  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA(1): Company-operated restaurants revenue              $         120,865          $         118,680 Less: restaurant operating costs                            (99,542 )                  (96,916 ) Add: depreciation and amortization expense                    8,616                      7,623 Less: advertising expense                                    (6,906 )                   (6,987 )  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA                                            $          23,033         

$ 22,400

  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin                                                  19.1 %                     18.9 %  Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA(1): Franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue                                     $          21,664          $          21,232 Less: franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense                                           (10,065 )                   (9,781 ) Add: depreciation and amortization expense                    1,096                      1,044  Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA              $          12,695          $          12,495     

(1) Refer to definitions of company-operated restaurant-level non-GAAP measures

and franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA under the heading "Presentation of

    Non-GAAP Measures" in this Item 2.                                            27 

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   Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)    Hardee's Year to Date                                                                            Successor/                                               Successor                Predecessor                Successor              Predecessor                                                 Forty                     Forty                    Sixteen               Twenty-Four                                              Weeks Ended               Weeks Ended               Weeks Ended             Weeks Ended                                            November 7, 2011         

November 1, 2010November 1, 2010July 12, 2010 Company-operated restaurants revenue $ 408,690 $

          388,513        $          159,470        $      229,043 Franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue                                     75,289                    67,321                    27,841                39,480  Total revenue                                        483,979                   455,834                   187,311               268,523  Restaurant operating costs: Food and packaging                                   127,980                   116,575                    47,733                68,842 Payroll and other employee benefits                  118,563                   116,912                    46,414                70,498 Occupancy and other                                   91,654                    87,569                    36,191                51,378  Total restaurant operating costs                     338,197                   321,056                   130,338               190,718  Franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense                                     36,890                    29,710                    12,625                17,085 Advertising expense                                   22,869                    22,113                     9,086                13,027 General and administrative expense                    52,823                    57,706                    26,440                31,266 Facility action charges, net                             573                     1,117                       748                   369  Operating income                          $           32,627        $           24,132        $            8,074        $       16,058  Company-operated same-store sales increase                                                 5.0 %                     4.0 % Franchise-operated same-store sales increase                                                 3.4 %                     3.1 % Company-operated same-store transaction increase                                     0.5 %                     1.7 % Company-operated average check (actual $)                                $             5.34        $       

5.13

 Restaurant operating costs as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue: Food and packaging                                      31.3 %                    30.0 % Payroll and other employee benefits                     29.0 %                    30.1 % Occupancy and other                                     22.4 %                    22.5 % Total restaurant operating costs                        82.8 %                    82.6 % Advertising expense as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue                                                  5.6 %              

5.7 %

  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA(1): Company-operated restaurants revenue      $          408,690        $       

388,513 $ 159,470 $ 229,043 Less: restaurant operating costs

                    (338,197 )                (321,056 )                (130,338 )            (190,718 ) Add: depreciation and amortization expense                                               27,876                    25,706                    10,128                15,578 Less: advertising expense                            (22,869 )                 (22,113 )                  (9,086 )             (13,027 )  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA                           $           75,500        $           71,050        $           30,174        $       40,876  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin                                  18.5 %                    18.3 %                    18.9 %                17.8 %  Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA(1): Franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue                         $           75,289        $           67,321        $           27,841        $       39,480 Less: franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense                        (36,890 )                 (29,710 )                 (12,625 )             (17,085 ) Add: depreciation and amortization expense                                                3,302                     1,969                     1,333                   636  Franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA      $           41,701        $           39,580        $           16,549        $       23,031     

(1) Refer to definitions of company-operated restaurant-level non-GAAP measures

and franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA under the heading "Presentation of

    Non-GAAP Measures" in this Item 2.                                            28 

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  Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)    Carl's Jr. 

Company-Operated Restaurants Revenue

  Revenue from company-operated Carl's Jr. restaurants increased $4,744, or 3.6%, to $136,111 during the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, as compared to the twelve weeks ended November 1, 2010. This increase was primarily due to the 2.0% increase in company-operated same-store sales for the quarter and revenues generated from new company-operated restaurants opened since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011, partially offset by a decrease in revenues from restaurants closed since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011.  Revenue from company-operated Carl's Jr. restaurants increased $14,878, or 3.3%, to $462,769 during the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, as compared to the prior year period. This increase was primarily due to the 2.0% increase in company-operated same-store sales from the comparable prior year period and revenues generated from new company-operated restaurants opened since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011, partially offset by a decrease in revenues from restaurants closed since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011.  

Company-Operated Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin

  The changes in the company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin are summarized as follows:                                                                       Twelve        Forty                                                                     Weeks        Weeks

Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin for the period ended November 1, 2010

                                     15.7 %       16.8 % Increase in food and packaging costs                                  (0.8 )       (0.9 ) Payroll and other employee benefits Decrease in labor costs, excluding workers' compensation               0.2  

0.2

 Decrease (increase) in workers' compensation expense                   0.1  

(0.2 ) Occupancy and other (excluding depreciation and amortization): Decrease in rent expense

                                               0.4  

0.1

 Increase in biscuit roll-out costs                                    (0.5 )       (0.2 ) Decrease in repairs and maintenance expense                            0.3  

0.2

 Increase in credit card and banking fees                              (0.2 )       (0.2 ) Other, net                                                             0.3           - Advertising expense                                                   (0.5 )         - 

Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin for the period ended November 7, 2011

                                     15.0 %       15.8 %    Food and Packaging Costs  Food and packaging costs increased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve and forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, as compared to the prior year periods, due primarily to increased commodity costs for beef, oil and cheese products.  

Occupancy and Other Costs

  Rent expense decreased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, from the comparable prior year period, due primarily to increased sales leverage.  Biscuit roll-out costs increased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, from the comparable prior year period, due to the additional costs incurred in connection with the roll-out of Hardee's Made From Scratch breakfast biscuits at Carl's Jr. in the Los Angeles market.  Repairs and maintenance expense decreased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, from the comparable prior year period, due primarily to decreased spending on contract services and repairs of restaurant equipment in the current year period.                                           29

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  Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)    Advertising Expense  Advertising expense as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue increased from 6.0% to 6.5% during the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011 as compared to the twelve weeks ended November 1, 2010. The increase as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue was mainly due to incremental print and media spending to promote the roll-out of Hardee's Made From Scratch breakfast biscuits at Carl's Jr. in the Los Angeles market and incremental media spending in select markets.  

Franchised and Licensed Restaurants

   Carl's Jr. Fiscal Quarter                                          Successor                                                         Twelve                    Twelve                                                      Weeks Ended               Weeks Ended                                                    November 7, 2011          November 1, 2010 Franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue: Royalties                                         $            7,813        $            7,527 Rent and other occupancy                                       5,387                     5,671 Franchise fees                                                   655                       140  Total franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue                                 $           13,855        $           13,338  Franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense: Administrative expense (including provision for bad debts)                                    $            2,950        $            2,252 Rent and other occupancy                                       4,892                     4,962  Total franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense                                 $            7,842        $            7,214    Total franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue increased $517, or 3.9%, to $13,855 during the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, as compared to the prior year period. Royalty revenues increased $286, or 3.8%, to $7,813, due primarily to the net increase of 46 franchised and licensed restaurants since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011, partially offset by a 2.5% decrease in franchise-operated same-store sales. Franchise fees increased $515 to $655 during the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, as compared to the prior year period, due primarily to the opening of new franchised and licensed restaurants. Rent and other occupancy revenues decreased $284, or 5.0%, mainly due to the impact of franchisees entering into lease arrangements directly with landlords and a decrease in contingent rent revenue from franchisees.  Franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense increased $628, or 8.7%, to $7,842 during the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, from the comparable prior year period. Administrative expense increased $698, or 31.0%, from the comparable prior year period, due primarily to increased franchise operations and administration costs related to our international growth strategy.                                           30

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   Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)                                                                             Successor/ Carl's Jr. Year to Date                         Successor               Predecessor               Successor             Predecessor                                                   Forty                    Forty                   Sixteen              Twenty-Four                                                Weeks Ended              Weeks Ended              Weeks Ended            Weeks Ended                                             November  7, 2011         November 1, 2010         November 1, 2010        July 12, 2010 Franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue: Royalties                                  $            26,608       $           25,087       $           10,019       $       15,068 Distribution centers - food, packaging and supplies                                                -                    86,891                       -                86,891 Rent and other occupancy                                17,400                   16,936                    7,515                9,421 Franchise fees                                           1,637                      709                      234                  475  Total franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue              $            45,645       $          129,623       $           17,768       $      111,855  Franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense: Administrative expense (including provision for bad debts)                   $             9,016       $            6,230       $            3,038       $        3,192 Distribution centers - food, packaging and supplies                                                -                    86,170                       -                86,170 Rent and other occupancy                                16,319                   15,267                    6,594                8,673  Total franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense              $            25,335       $          107,667       $            9,632       $       98,035    Total franchised and licensed restaurants revenue decreased $83,978, or 64.8%, to $45,645 during the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, as compared to the forty weeks ended November 1, 2010. Distribution center sales of food, packaging and supplies to franchisees decreased by $86,891, due to the outsourcing of our Carl's Jr. distribution center operations on July 2, 2010. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in royalty revenues of $1,521, or 6.1%, due primarily to the net increase of 46 franchised and licensed restaurants since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011, partially offset by a 0.8% decrease in franchise-operated same-store sales. Franchise fees increased $928 to $1,637 during the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, as compared to the prior year period, due primarily to the opening of new franchised and licensed restaurants. Rent and other occupancy revenues increased $464, or 2.7%, mainly due to impact of the amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases, which were recorded in connection with the Merger, partially offset by the impact of franchisees entering into lease arrangements directly with landlords.  Franchised and licensed operating and other expenses decreased $82,332, or 76.5%, to $25,335 during the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, as compared to the prior year period. This decrease is mainly due to an $86,170 decrease in distribution center costs resulting from the outsourcing of our Carl's Jr. distribution center operations. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of $2,786, or 44.7%, increase in administrative expense from the comparable prior year period, primarily caused by an increase of $1,141 in amortization expense related to the franchise agreement intangible asset recorded in connection with the Merger and increased franchise operations and administration costs related to our international growth strategy. Rent and other occupancy expense increased $1,052, or 6.9%, to $16,319 due primarily to the impact of the amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases, which were recorded in connection with the Merger.  

Hardee's

Company-Operated Restaurants Revenue

  Revenue from company-operated Hardee's restaurants increased $2,185, or 1.8%, to $120,865 during the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, over the comparable prior year period, primarily due to the 1.8% increase in company-operated same-store sales.  During the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, revenue from company-operated restaurants increased $20,177, or 5.2%, to $408,690 as compared to the forty weeks ended November 1, 2010. The increase is primarily due to the 5.0% increase in company-operated same-store sales.                                           31

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  Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)   

Company-Operated Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin

  The changes in the company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin are summarized as follows:                                                           Twelve Weeks            Forty Weeks Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin for the period ended November 1, 2010                                                            18.9 %                 18.3 % Increase in food and packaging costs                            (1.4 )                 (1.3 ) Payroll and other employee benefits: Decrease in labor costs, excluding workers' compensation                                                     0.4                    1.0 Decrease in workers' compensation expense                        0.2                    0.1 Occupancy and other (excluding depreciation and amortization): Decrease in property tax expense                                 0.2                    0.1 Decrease in general liability insurance expense                  0.2                    0.1 Decrease in asset disposal expense                               0.2                    0.1 Other, net                                                       0.2                     - Advertising expense                                              0.2                    0.1  Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin for the period ended November 7, 2011                                                            19.1 %                 18.5 %    Food and Packaging Costs  Food and packaging costs increased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, as compared to the prior year period, mainly due to an increase in commodity costs for beef, oil, dairy and pork products.  Food and packaging costs increased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, as compared to the prior year period, mainly due to an increase in commodity costs for beef, oil, pork and flour products.  Labor Costs  Labor costs, excluding workers' compensation expense, decreased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve and forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, as compared to the prior year periods, due primarily to more efficient use of labor in the restaurants and sales leverage.  

Occupancy and Other Costs

Depreciation and amortization expense increased as a percentage of company-operated restaurants revenue during the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, from the comparable prior year period, due primarily to fixed asset additions, partially offset by sales leverage.

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Franchised and Licensed Restaurants

   Hardee's Fiscal Quarter                                            Successor                                                         Twelve                    Twelve                                                      Weeks Ended               Weeks Ended                                                    November 7, 2011          November 1, 2010 Franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue: Royalties                                         $           13,753        $           13,214 Distribution centers - equipment                               4,472                     4,729 Rent and other occupancy                                       3,095                     3,102 Franchise fees                                                   344                       187  Total franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue                                 $           21,664        $           21,232  Franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense: Administrative expense (including provision for bad debts)                                    $            2,958        $            2,453 Distribution centers - equipment                               4,433                     4,759 Rent and other occupancy                                       2,674                     2,569  Total franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense                                 $           10,065        $            9,781    Total franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue increased $432 or 2.0%, to $21,664 during the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, as compared to the prior year period. Royalty revenues increased $539, or 4.1%, to $13,753, from the comparable prior year period, due primarily to a net increase of 19 franchised and licensed restaurants since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011 and an increase in franchise-operated same-store sales of 1.3%. The decrease in distribution center sales of equipment of $257, or 5.4%, from the comparable prior year period, was primarily due to a decrease in equipment sales to third parties.  Franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense increased $284, or 2.9%, to $10,065, during the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, as compared to the prior year period. The increase in administrative expense of $505, or 20.6%, to $2,958 was primarily due to an increase in administration costs to support our long-term growth strategy. The decrease in distribution center costs of $326, or 6.9%, resulted directly from the decrease in distribution center sales of equipment to third parties.                                           33 

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   Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)                                                                           Successor/ Hardee's Year to Date                         Successor               Predecessor               Successor             Predecessor                                                 Forty                    Forty                   Sixteen              Twenty-Four                                              Weeks Ended              Weeks Ended              Weeks Ended            Weeks Ended                                            November 7, 2011         November 1, 2010         November 1, 2010        July 12, 2010 Franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue: Royalties                                 $           45,565       $           42,285       $           17,583       $       24,702 Distribution centers - equipment                      18,682                   15,089                    5,869                9,220 Rent and other occupancy                              10,105                    9,289                    4,102                5,187 Franchise fees                                           937                      658                      287                  371  Total franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue             $           75,289       $           67,321       $           27,841       $       39,480  Franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense: Administrative expense (including provision for bad debts)                  $            9,744       $            7,330       $            3,303       $        4,027 Distribution centers - equipment                      18,545                   15,103                    5,897                9,206 Rent and other occupancy                               8,601                    7,277                    3,425                3,852  Total franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense             $           36,890       $           29,710       $           12,625       $       17,085    Total franchised and licensed restaurants revenue increased $7,968, or 11.8%, to $75,289 during the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, as compared to the prior year period. Distribution center revenues increased $3,593, or 23.8%, primarily due to an increase in equipment sales to franchisees. Royalty revenues increased by $3,280, or 7.8%, from the comparable prior year period, due primarily to a net increase of 19 franchised and licensed restaurants since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011 and an increase in our franchise-operated same-store sales of 3.4%. Rent and other occupancy revenue increased $816, or 8.8%, primarily due to the impact of the amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases, which were recorded in connection with the Merger.  Franchised and licensed operating and other expenses increased $7,180, or 24.2%, to $36,890, during the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, as compared to the prior year period. Distribution center expenses increased $3,442, or 22.8%, resulting directly from the increase in distribution center sales to franchisees. The increase in administrative expense of $2,414 was primarily due to increased franchise operations and administration costs to support our long-term growth strategy and an increase of $878 in amortization expense related to the franchise agreement intangible asset recorded in connection with the Merger. Rent and other occupancy expense increased $1,324, or 18.2%, due primarily to the impact of the amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases, which were recorded in connection with the Merger.  

Consolidated Expenses

General and Administrative Expense

  General and administrative expense decreased $8,744, or 8.0%, to $100,876, for the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, as compared to the forty weeks ended November 1, 2010. This was mainly due to a $13,175 decrease in share-based compensation expense resulting primarily from the expense recorded in the prior year period for the acceleration of vesting of stock options and restricted stock awards in connection with the Merger. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of $2,269 in bonus expense, which is based on our performance relative to executive management and operations bonus criteria, and an increase of $1,279 in management service fees paid to Apollo Management.  

Other Operating Expenses, Net

During the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, other operating expenses decreased $167 from the comparable prior year period to zero. This decrease is primarily due to a decrease in transaction-related costs for accounting, investment banking, legal and other costs associated with the Transactions.

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  Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)    During the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, other operating expenses, net decreased $29,532 from the comparable prior year period to $545. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in transaction-related costs for accounting, investment banking, legal and other costs associated with the Transactions, which decreased from $33,519 for the forty weeks ended November 1, 2010 to $545 for the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011. Additionally, during the forty weeks ended November 1, 2010, we recorded a gain of $3,442 on the sale of our Distribution Center assets.  

Interest Expense

  During the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, the decrease in interest expense of $640, to $17,415, as compared to the twelve weeks ended November 1, 2010 was primarily due to a decrease of $1,122 in interest expense associated with our Notes caused by a reduction in the principal amount of our Notes since the prior year period. This decrease was partially offset by the additional interest incurred on financing method sale-leaseback transactions entered into during fiscal 2012.  During the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, interest expense increased $26,974 to $59,626, as compared to the forty weeks ended November 1, 2010. This increase was primarily caused by the interest incurred on our Notes and financing method sale-leaseback transactions entered into during fiscal 2012. Interest expense during the forty weeks ended November 1, 2010 included a charge of $3,113 to adjust the carrying value of our Predecessor interest rate swap agreements to fair value.  

See Note 7 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional detail of the components of interest expense.

Other (Expense) Income, Net

  During the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, we recorded $252 of other expense, net as compared to other income, net of $803 during the twelve weeks ended November 1, 2010. This change was primarily due to expenses incurred related to previously disposed businesses and a loss of $286 recognized on the early extinguishment of $8,170 of the principal amount of our Notes during the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011.  During the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, we recorded $1,668 of other expense, net as compared to other expense, net of $12,641 during the forty weeks ended November 1, 2010. During the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, we recognized a loss of $2,927 on the early extinguishment of $48,170 of the principal amount of our Notes. During the forty weeks ended November 1, 2010, we recorded a termination fee to terminate a prior merger agreement with an affiliate of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. of $9,283 and $5,000 in reimbursable costs.  

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense

  Our effective income tax rate for the twelve and forty weeks ended November 7, 2011 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily as a result of non-deductible share-based compensation expense, state income taxes, federal income tax credits and the release of $237 of unrecognized tax benefits due to statute closures. Our effective income tax rate for the twelve and forty weeks ended November 1, 2010 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily as a result of non-deductible transaction-related costs, non-deductible share-based compensation expense, state income taxes and the release of $1,501 of unrecognized tax benefits due to statute closures.  

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

  Our cash requirements consist principally of our food and packaging purchases, labor and occupancy costs; capital expenditures for restaurant remodels, new restaurant construction and replacement of equipment; debt service requirements; advertising expenditures; and general and administrative expenses. We expect that our cash on hand and future cash flows from operations will provide sufficient liquidity to allow us to meet our operating and capital requirements and service our existing debt. As of November 7, 2011, we have $61,075 in cash and cash equivalents and $68,537 in available commitments under our Credit Facility to help meet our operating and capital requirements.  We believe our most significant cash uses during the next 12 months will be for capital expenditures, debt service requirements and the partial redemption of our Notes. Based on our current capital spending projections, we expect capital expenditures to be between $55,000 and $60,000 for fiscal 2012. As discussed below, we commenced a tender offer to purchase up to $27,871 of the principal amount of our Notes ("Tender Offer") at a redemption price of 103%, which expires December 29, 2011. In addition to the Tender Offer, on December 1, 2011, we elected to redeem up to $20,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding on January 4, 2012 ("Redemption") at a redemption price of 103%. The terms of the Redemption provide that the combined principal amount of the notes purchased in the Tender Offer and Redemption will not exceed $30,000. In addition to the Redemption and Tender Offer, we may elect to redeem up to an additional $60,000 of the principal amount of our Notes during the twelve month period commencing July 15, 2012.                                           35

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  Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)   

Assuming the aggregate outstanding principal amount of our Notes remains unchanged from November 7, 2011, we will be required to make semi-annual interest payments on our Notes of approximately $31,385. As discussed below, our Credit Facility matures on July 12, 2015, and our Notes mature on July 15, 2018.

Credit Facility

  Our Credit Facility provides for senior secured revolving facility loans, swingline loans and letters of credit, in an aggregate amount of up to $100,000. The Credit Facility bears interest at a rate equal to, at our option, either: (1) the higher of Morgan Stanley's "prime rate" plus 2.75% or the federal funds rate, as defined in our Credit Facility, plus 3.25%, or (2) the LIBOR plus 3.75%. The Credit Facility matures on July 12, 2015, at which time all outstanding revolving facility loans and accrued and unpaid interest must be repaid. As of November 7, 2011, we had no outstanding loan borrowings, $31,463 of outstanding letters of credit, and remaining availability of $68,537 under our Credit Facility.  Pursuant to the terms of our Credit Facility, during each fiscal year our capital expenditures cannot exceed the sum of (1) the greater of (i) $100,000 and (ii) 8.5% of our consolidated gross total tangible assets as of the end of such fiscal year plus, without duplication, (2) 10% of certain assets acquired in permitted acquisitions during such fiscal year (the "Acquired Assets Amount") and, (3) 5% of the Acquired Assets Amount for the preceding fiscal year, calculated on a cumulative basis. In addition, the annual base amount of permitted capital expenditures may be increased by an amount equal to any cumulative credit (as defined in the Credit Facility) which the Company elects to apply for this purpose and may be carried-back and/or carried-forward subject to the terms set forth in the Credit Facility.  The Credit Facility contains covenants that restrict our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to: incur additional indebtedness; pay dividends on our capital stock or redeem, repurchase or retire our capital stock or indebtedness; make investments, loans, advances and acquisitions; create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to us from our subsidiaries; sell assets, including capital stock of our subsidiaries; consolidate or merge; create liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; amend, modify or permit the amendment or modification of any senior secured second lien note documents; engage in certain transactions with our affiliates; issue capital stock; create subsidiaries; and change the business conducted by us or our subsidiaries.  The terms of our Credit Facility also include financial performance covenants, which include a maximum secured leverage ratio and a specified minimum interest coverage ratio. Our Credit Facility defines our secured leverage ratio as the ratio of our: (1) Total Secured Debt plus eight times our Net Rent less Unrestricted Cash and Permitted Investments; over (2) Adjusted EBITDAR, each as defined in our Credit Facility. In determining our Total Secured Debt for the purpose of our financial covenants, we include our Notes and other long-term secured debt, capital lease obligations and the portion of the proceeds from financing method sale-leaseback transactions equal to the net book value of the associated properties. As of November 7, 2011, the net book value of the assets associated with financing method sale-leaseback transactions was $31,825. See Note 8 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further discussion of these sale-leaseback transactions. Our Credit Facility defines our interest coverage ratio as the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to Cash Interest Expense, each as defined in our Credit Facility. As of November 7, 2011, our financial performance covenants did not limit our ability to draw on the remaining availability of $68,537 under our Credit Facility.  

We were in compliance with the covenants of our Credit Facility as of November 7, 2011.

  The terms of our Credit Facility are not impacted by any changes in our credit rating. We believe the key company-specific factors affecting our ability to maintain our existing debt financing relationships and to access such capital in the future are our present and expected levels of profitability, cash flows from operations, capital expenditures, asset collateral bases and the level of our Adjusted EBITDA relative to our debt obligations. In addition, as noted above, our Credit Facility includes significant restrictions on future financings including, among others, limits on the amount of indebtedness we may incur or which may be secured by any of our assets.  

Senior Secured Second Lien Notes

  On July 15, 2011, we redeemed $40,000 of the principal amount of our Notes at a redemption price of 103% of the principal amount of the Notes pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the Notes. On October 4, 2011, we purchased $8,170 of the principal amount of our Notes at a price of 100% of the principal amount of the Notes in an open market transaction and paid the associated accrued and unpaid interest on these purchased Notes of $212. Subsequent to the redemption and purchase, and as of November 7, 2011, the aggregate principal amount of our Notes outstanding was $551,830. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 11.375% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15. As of November 7, 2011, the carrying value of the notes was $542,413, which is presented net of the remaining unamortized original issue discount of $9,417. The Notes mature on July 15, 2018.                                           36

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  Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)    The indenture governing the Notes contains restrictive covenants that limit our and our guarantor subsidiaries' ability to, among other things: incur or guarantee additional debt or issue certain preferred equity; pay dividends, make capital stock distributions or other restricted payments; make certain investments; sell certain assets; create or incur liens on certain assets to secure debt; consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; enter into certain transactions with affiliates; and designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries. Additionally, the indenture contains certain reporting covenants, which requires us to provide all such information required to be filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") in accordance with the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"), as a non-accelerated filer, even if we are not specifically required to comply with such sections of the Exchange Act. Failure to comply with these covenants constitutes a default and may lead to the acceleration of the principal amount and accrued but unpaid interest on the Notes.  

We were in compliance with the covenants included in the indenture governing the Notes as of November 7, 2011.

  We may redeem the Notes prior to the maturity date based upon the following conditions: (1) prior to July 15, 2013, we may redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes, or $210,000, with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 111.375% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, (2) during, in each of the 12-month periods beginning July 15, 2011, July 15, 2012, and July 15, 2013, we may redeem up to 10% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes, or $60,000, at a redemption price of 103% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, (3) on or after July 15, 2014, we may redeem all or any portion of the Notes during the 12-month periods commencing July 15, 2014, July 15, 2015, July 15, 2016 and July 15, 2017 and thereafter at a redemption price of 105.688%, 102.844%, 101.422% and 100%, respectively, of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, and (4) prior to July 15, 2014, we may redeem all or any portion of the Notes at a price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes plus a make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest. Upon a change in control, the Note holders each have the right to require us to redeem their Notes at a redemption price of 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest.  In accordance with the indenture governing the Notes, we are required to make an offer to repurchase our Notes at 103% of the principal amount of the Notes with a portion of the net proceeds received from sale-leaseback transactions. Pursuant to these requirements, on December 1, 2011, we commenced the Tender Offer to purchase up to $27,871 of the principal amount of our Notes at a redemption price of 103%, which expires on December 29, 2011. In addition to the Tender Offer, on December 1, 2011, the holders of the Notes were notified that CKE will redeem on January 4, 2012, conditioned in part on the results of the Tender Offer, up to $20,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding on January 4, 2012 at a redemption price of 103% pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the Notes. Pursuant to the Redemption, the Notes to be redeemed will be reduced so that the total principal amount of Notes purchased in both the Tender Offer and Redemption will not exceed $30,000.  

CKE Holdings, Inc. Senior Unsecured PIK Toggle Notes

  On March 14, 2011, CKE Holdings, Inc. issued $200,000 aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured PIK toggle notes due March 14, 2016 (the "Parent Notes"). The net proceeds, after payment of offering expenses, were distributed to the corporate parent of Parent. The Parent Notes were issued with an original issue discount of 1.885%, or $3,770. The interest on the Parent Notes, which will be paid semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, can be paid (1) entirely in cash, at a rate of 10.50% ("Cash Interest"), (2) entirely by increasing the principal amount of the Parent Note or by issuing new notes for the entire amount of the interest payment, at a rate per annum equal to the cash interest rate of 10.50% plus 0.75% ("PIK Interest") or (3) with a 25%/75%, 50%/50% or 75%/25% combination of Cash Interest and PIK Interest. Parent paid the September 15, 2011 interest payment entirely in PIK Interest. Parent will also pay the March 15, 2012 interest payment entirely in PIK Interest. During the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, CKE purchased $9,948 principal amount of Parent Notes for $8,362, which represents a weighted average price of 84.06% of the principal amount of the purchased Parent Notes. For accounting purposes, we have recorded our investment in Parent Notes as a reduction of stockholder's equity. See Note 7 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further discussion.                                           37

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  Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)    We have not guaranteed the Parent Notes, nor have we pledged any of our assets or stock as collateral for the Parent Notes. The covenants included within the indenture governing our Notes and our Credit Facility are not directly impacted by the obligations of CKE Holdings, Inc. Because the Parent Notes contain a PIK feature, the interest obligations can be added to the principal amount of the Parent Note and Parent has the ability to defer cash payments of interest through March 14, 2016. At or prior to maturity, we expect Parent will evaluate all available options for redemption of the Parent Notes, including refinancing the Parent Notes, receiving dividends, and other options. Our Credit Facility and indenture governing our Notes contain restrictive covenants which limit our ability to pay dividends to Parent.  

Cash Flows

  During the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, cash provided by operating activities totaled $90,997, an increase of $56,151 from the comparable prior year period. This increase is primarily attributable to significant cash payments made during the prior year period for transaction related costs and the Predecessor interest rate swap agreements, partially offset by the impact of cash paid for interest related to the Notes during the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011. Our working capital account balances, including accounts payable and other current and long-term liabilities, can vary significantly from quarter to quarter, depending upon the timing of large customer receipts, payments to vendors and semi-annual interest payments, and are not anticipated to be a significant source or use of cash over the long term.  Cash used in investing activities during the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011 totaled $41,842, which principally consisted of purchases of property and equipment of $44,440, partially offset by $1,749 of proceeds from the sale of property and equipment.  

Capital expenditures were as follows:

                                                                                         Successor/                                                     Successor                        Predecessor                                                       Forty                             Forty                                                    Weeks Ended                       Weeks Ended                                                  November 7, 2011                  November 1, 2010 Remodels: Carl's Jr.                                      $            2,698                $            2,582 Hardee's                                                     9,763                            14,883 Capital maintenance: Carl's Jr.                                                   9,671                             8,479 Hardee's                                                    10,406                            11,749 New restaurants and rebuilds: Carl's Jr.                                                   5,828                             8,277 Hardee's                                                     2,125                             2,607 Dual-branding: Carl's Jr.                                                     419                               672 Hardee's                                                     1,760                             2,120 Real estate and franchise acquisitions                         667                                20 Corporate and other                                          1,103                               914  Total                                           $           44,440                $           52,303   

Capital expenditures for the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011 decreased $7,863, or 15.0%, to $44,440 from the comparable prior year period mainly due to a $5,004 decrease in restaurant remodels and a $2,931 decrease in new restaurants and rebuilds.

  Cash used in financing activities during the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011 totaled $30,666 as compared to cash provided by financing activities during the forty weeks ended November 1, 2010 of $719,207. During the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, we made payments of $49,370 in connection with the early extinguishment of $48,170 principal amount of our Notes. Additionally, we made payments of $8,362 to purchase $9,948 principal amount of Parent Notes and there was a net decrease in our bank overdraft of $6,767. This usage was partially offset by the proceeds from financing method sale-leaseback transactions of $40,702. During the forty weeks ended November 1, 2010, we received proceeds from the issuance of Notes, net of discount, of $588,510 and equity contributions of $450,000 in connection with the Transactions. Additionally, we made net payments of $277,432 to fully repay our Predecessor term loan and borrowings under our Predecessor revolving credit facility during the forty weeks ended November 1, 2010.                                           38 

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  Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)   

Critical Accounting Policies

  Our reported results are impacted by the application of certain accounting policies that require us to make subjective or complex judgments. These judgments involve making estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may significantly impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations. See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2011 for a description of our critical accounting policies. Specific risks associated with these critical accounting policies are described in the following paragraphs.  

Impairment of Restaurant-Level Long-Lived Assets

  In connection with analyzing restaurant-level long-lived assets to determine if they have been impaired, we make certain estimates and assumptions, including estimates of future cash flows, assumptions of future same-store sales and projected operating expenses for each of our restaurants over their estimated useful life in order to evaluate recoverability and estimate fair value. Future cash flows are estimated based upon experience gained, current intentions about refranchising restaurants and closures, recent and expected sales trends, internal plans, the period of time since the restaurant was opened or remodeled and other relevant information. If our future cash flows or same-store sales do not meet or exceed our forecasted levels, or if restaurant operating cost increases exceed our forecast and we are unable to recover such costs through price increases, the carrying value of certain of our restaurants may prove to be unrecoverable, and we may incur additional impairment charges in the future.  

Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

  As of November 7, 2011, our goodwill consisted of $199,166 for our Carl's Jr. reporting unit and $9,719 for our Hardee's reporting unit. The goodwill for both reporting units resulted primarily from the Merger on July 12, 2010. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, we performed our goodwill impairment test for our Carl's Jr. and Hardee's reporting units. As of the date of the annual impairment test, the fair value of the Carl's Jr. and Hardee's reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculation on the goodwill impairment test, we applied hypothetical decreases to the fair value of each reporting unit. We determined that hypothetical decreases in fair value of greater than 10% would be required before either reporting unit would have a carrying value in excess of its fair value. The excess of the fair value as compared to the carrying value is attributed primarily to the general improvement in financial markets between the date of the acquisition and the date of the impairment test. However, future declines in market conditions and the actual future performance of our reporting units could negatively impact the results of future impairment tests.  As of November 7, 2011, our indefinite-lived intangible assets consisted of Carl's Jr. trademarks / tradenames of $144,000 and Hardee's trademarks / tradenames of $134,000. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, we performed our impairment test for trademarks / tradenames at both Carl's Jr. and Hardee's and concluded that no impairment charge was required. However, any future declines in our system-wide restaurant portfolio at either concept, declines in company-operated or franchised and licensed revenues or increases to the discount rate used in our impairment test could negatively impact the results of future impairment tests.  

Estimated Liability for Closed Restaurants

  In determining the amount of the estimated liability for closed restaurants, we estimate the cost to maintain leased vacant properties until the lease can be abated. If the costs to maintain properties increase, or it takes longer than anticipated to sublease or terminate leases, we may need to record additional estimated liabilities. If the leases on the vacant restaurants are not terminated or subleased on the terms that we used to estimate the liabilities, we may be required to record losses in future periods. Conversely, if the leases on the vacant restaurants are terminated or subleased on more favorable terms than we used to estimate the liabilities, we reverse previously established estimated liabilities, resulting in an increase in operating income.  

Estimated Liability for Self-Insurance

  If we experience a higher than expected number of claims or the costs of claims rise more than the estimates used by management, developed with the assistance of our actuary, our reserves would require adjustment and we would be required to adjust the expected losses upward and increase our future self-insurance expense.                                           39 

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  Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)    Our actuary provides us with estimated unpaid losses for each loss category, upon which our analysis is based. As of November 7, 2011 and January 31, 2011, our estimated liability for self-insured workers' compensation, general and auto liability losses was $39,452 and $39,581, respectively.  

Franchised and Licensed Operations

  We have sublease agreements with some of our franchisees on properties for which we remain principally liable for the lease obligations. If sales trends or economic conditions deteriorate for our franchisees, their financial health may worsen, our collection rates may decline and we may be required to assume the responsibility for additional lease payments on franchised restaurants.  

Income Taxes

  When necessary, we record a valuation allowance to reduce our net deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In considering the need for a valuation allowance against some portion or all of our deferred tax assets, we must make certain estimates and assumptions regarding future taxable income, the feasibility of tax planning strategies and other factors. Changes in facts and circumstances or in the estimates and assumptions that are involved in establishing and maintaining a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets could result in adjustments to the valuation allowance in future quarterly or annual periods.  We use an estimate of our annual income tax rate to recognize a provision for income taxes in financial statements for interim periods. However, changes in facts and circumstances could result in adjustments to our effective tax rate in future quarterly or annual periods.  

Significant Known Events, Trends, or Uncertainties Expected to Impact Fiscal 2012 Comparisons with Fiscal 2011

  The factors discussed below impact comparability of operating performance for the twelve and forty weeks ended November 7, 2011 and November 1, 2010, and for the remainder of fiscal 2012.  Merger and Transactions  In connection with the Transactions, we incurred significant additional indebtedness, including $600,000 of aggregate principal amount of senior secured second lien notes that bear interest at a rate of 11.375% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15. On July 15, 2011 and October 4, 2011, we redeemed $40,000 and $8,170, respectively, of the aggregate principal amount of our Notes, reducing the outstanding aggregate principal amount of our Notes to $551,830 as of November 7, 2011. In addition, our Credit Facility provides for aggregate borrowings up to $100,000 in senior secured revolving facility loans, swingline loans and letters of credit. Immediately prior to the Transactions, our indebtedness was significantly less. The changes in our indebtedness have caused our interest expense to be significantly higher following the Transactions than experienced in periods prior to the Transactions.  The acquisition of CKE Restaurants, Inc. was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting, whereby the purchase price was allocated to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair market values as of July 12, 2010. The fair value changes in our tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed are expected to cause changes to our future operating results when compared to our historical results.  The discussion and analysis of the Company's historical financial condition and results of operations covers periods prior to the Transactions. Accordingly, the discussion and analysis of such periods does not reflect the significant impact of the Transactions.                                           40 

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  Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)   

Sale-Leaseback Transactions

  During the forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, we entered into agreements with independent third parties under which we sold and leased back 29 restaurant properties. The initial minimum lease terms are 20 years, and the leases include renewal options and right of first offer provisions that, for accounting purposes, constitute continuing involvement with the associated restaurant properties. Due to this continuing involvement, these sale-leaseback transactions are accounted for under the financing method, rather than as completed sales. Under the financing method, we include the net sales proceeds received in other long-term liabilities until our continuing involvement with the properties is terminated, report the associated property as owned assets, continue to depreciate the assets over their remaining useful lives, and record the rental payments as interest expense. As of November 7, 2011, the net book value of the assets associated with these transactions was $31,825. When and if our continuing involvement with a property terminates and the sale of that property is recognized for accounting purposes, we expect to record a gain equal to the excess of the net proceeds received over the remaining net book value of the associated restaurant property. As of November 7, 2011, the net proceeds received of $40,702 exceeded the net book value of the associated restaurant properties by $8,877. We expect that we will sell and leaseback additional restaurant properties in future quarters; however, there can be no assurance as to the number of transactions we will be able to complete, the amount of proceeds we will generate or whether we will be able to complete additional sale-leaseback transactions at all. See Note 8 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further discussion.  

Sale of Carl's Jr. Distribution Center Assets

  On July 2, 2010, we entered into an agreement to sell to MBM our Carl's Jr. Distribution Center assets. Simultaneously, on July 2, 2010, we and our franchisees entered into distribution agreements with MBM to provide distribution services to our Carl's Jr. restaurants. As a result of the outsourcing of our Carl's Jr. distribution services, beginning July 2, 2010, we no longer generate revenues and incur the related expenses associated with the Carl's Jr. distribution centers. Refer to further discussion of the Carl's Jr. operating segment included within our "Operating Review" section of Management's Discussion and Analysis.  Fiscal Year and Seasonality  We operate on a retail accounting calendar. Our fiscal year ends the last Monday in January and typically has 13 four-week accounting periods. The first quarter of our fiscal year has four periods, or 16 weeks. All other quarters generally have three periods, or 12 weeks. The fiscal year ended January 31, 2011 contains 53 weeks, whereby the additional week was included in the fourth quarter.  Our restaurant sales, and therefore our profitability, are subject to seasonal fluctuations and are traditionally higher during the spring and summer months because of factors such as increased travel upon school vacations and improved weather conditions, which affect the public's dining habits.  

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 3 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for a description of new accounting pronouncements not yet adopted and the adoption of new accounting pronouncements.

Presentation of Non-GAAP Measures

  We have included in this report measures of financial performance that are not defined by GAAP. Company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA, company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin and franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures utilized by management internally to evaluate and compare our operating performance for company-operated restaurants and franchised and licensed restaurants between periods. In addition, management believes that these financial measures provide useful information to potential investors and analysts because they provide insight into management's evaluation of our results of operations. Each of these non-GAAP financial measures is derived from amounts reported within our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and the computations of each of these measures have been included within our "Operating Review" section of MD&A.                                           41 

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  Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)   

These non-GAAP measures should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of, the comparable GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures have certain limitations including the following:

         •   Because not all companies calculate these measures identically, our          presentation of such measures may not be comparable to similarly titled          measures of other companies;          •   These measures exclude certain general and administrative and other          operating costs, which should also be considered when assessing our          operating performance; and    

• These measures exclude depreciation and amortization, and although they

are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated or amortized will often

have to be replaced and new investments made to support the operations of

our restaurant portfolio.

Company-Operated Restaurant-Level Non-GAAP Measures

  We define company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA, which is expressed in dollars, as company-operated restaurants revenue less restaurant operating costs excluding depreciation and amortization expense and including advertising expense. Restaurant operating costs are the expenses incurred directly by our company-operated restaurants in generating revenues and do not include advertising costs, general and administrative expenses or facility action charges. We define company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin, which is expressed as a percentage, as company-operated restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA divided by company-operated restaurants revenue.  

Franchise Restaurant Adjusted EBITDA

  We define franchise restaurant adjusted EBITDA, which is expressed in dollars, as franchised and licensed restaurants and other revenue less franchised and licensed restaurants and other expense excluding depreciation and amortization expense.  

Certain Financial Information of CKE Holdings, Inc.

  On March 14, 2011, CKE Holdings, Inc. issued $200,000 aggregate principal amount of 10.50%/11.25% senior unsecured PIK toggle notes due March 14, 2016. The net proceeds, after the payment of offering expenses, were distributed to the corporate parent of Parent. We have not guaranteed the obligations of Parent under the Parent Notes, nor have we pledged any of our assets or stock as collateral for the Parent Notes. The covenants included within the indenture governing our Notes and our Credit Facility are not directly impacted by the obligations of CKE Holdings, Inc. During the twelve weeks ended November 7, 2011, we purchased $9,948 principal amount of Parent Notes ("Purchased Parent Notes") for $8,362, which represents a weighted average price of 84.06% of the principal amount of the Parent Notes. See Note 7 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional discussion.  As of November 7, 2011, the principal amount of Parent's total long-term debt on a stand-alone basis was $211,313, including the $9,948 principal amount of the Purchased Parent Notes. As of November 7, 2011, the carrying amount of Parent's total long-term debt on a stand-alone basis, including the current portion and the Purchased Parent Notes, was $207,789, which is presented net of the unamortized portion of the original issue discount of $3,524. During the twelve and forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, Parent incurred interest expense on a stand-alone basis of $5,727 and $15,795, respectively. Parent's consolidated interest expense was $23,032 and $75,311 during the twelve and forty weeks ended November 7, 2011, respectively. Since the Purchased Parent Notes continue to be held by CKE, $110 of Parent's stand-alone interest expense, which is associated with the Purchased Parent Notes, has been eliminated in Parent's consolidated interest expense for both the twelve and forty weeks ended November 7, 2011.                                           42 

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  Table of Contents                       CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES                        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS                               (Dollars in thousands)    Forward Looking Statements  This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes statements relating to future plans and developments, financial goals and operating performance that are based on our current beliefs and assumptions. These statements constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict, are beyond our control, and which may cause results to differ materially from expectations. Factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those described include, but are not limited to, our ability to compete with other restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores for customers, employees, restaurant locations and franchisees; changes in consumer preferences, perceptions and spending patterns; changes in food, packaging and supply costs; the ability of our key suppliers to continue to deliver premium-quality products to us at moderate prices; our ability to successfully enter new markets, complete construction of new restaurants and complete remodels of existing restaurants; changes in general economic conditions and the geographic concentration of our restaurants, which may affect our business; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; our franchisees' willingness to participate in our strategy; the operational and financial success of our franchisees; the willingness of our vendors and service providers to supply us with goods and services pursuant to customary credit arrangements; risks associated with operating in international locations; the effect of the media's reports regarding food-borne illnesses, food tampering and other health-related issues on our reputation and our ability to procure or sell food products; the seasonality of our operations; the effect of increasing labor costs including healthcare related costs; our ability to comply with existing and future health, employment, environmental and other government regulations; our ability to adequately protect our intellectual property; the potentially conflicting interests of our sole stockholder and our creditors; our substantial leverage, which could limit our ability to raise capital, react to economic changes or meet obligations under our indebtedness; the effect of restrictive covenants in our indenture and credit facility on our business; and other factors as discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on April 15, 2011, and in our other filings with the SEC.  

You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances arising after the date of this report, except as required by law.

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