Hardee's is a prominent American fast-food chain renowned for its charbroiled burgers, signature "Made From Scratch" breakfast biscuits, and diverse menu offerings. Founded in Greenville, North Carolina, in 1960 by Wilbur Hardee, the brand quickly established itself as a household name in the Southeast and Midwest regions of the United States. Today, as a subsidiary of CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.—which also owns Carl's Jr.—Hardee's operates over 3,800 restaurants across more than 40 countries, combining traditional American fast food with international appeal.

Evolution of Hardee's Visual Identity
Hardee's branding has undergone significant transformations over the decades, reflecting shifts in design trends and consumer preferences. Its logo history encapsulates its journey from a small-town burger joint to an internationally recognized fast-food franchise.

1960 – 1967
The original logo featured a playful, retro design with "Hardee's" in a curvaceous, cursive script. A cheerful caricature of a waitress, set against a vibrant red backdrop, showcased the brand's early focus on friendly service and diner culture.

1967 – 1969
The second logo adopted a simpler aesthetic, with the brand name in bold, black script accompanied by a stylized grill illustration. This design emphasized freshness and authenticity while maintaining a welcoming vibe.

1969 – 1975
In this period, Hardee's embraced a more modern, geometric look. The logo featured the brand name framed between two orange, abstract shapes resembling butterfly wings or an ‘X,’ symbolizing innovation and transformation.

1975 – 1997, 2018
The 1975 redesign introduced bold, angular typography with letters that seemed fragmented yet recognizable, projecting a sleek and confident brand image. This design remained iconic and was briefly revived in 2018 as a nostalgic nod to the past.

1997 – 2006
This era marked the introduction of the now-iconic yellow star with a smiling face. The friendly star complemented bold red lettering, representing approachability and brand growth.

2006 – 2017
The logo transitioned to a glossy, 3D design with sculpted red letters and a cheerful yellow star. This iteration blended vintage diner aesthetics with modern graphics, creating a lively and memorable identity.

2017
A black-and-white logo paired with the golden star added a modern and minimalist touch. This design balanced playfulness and sophistication, appealing to a wide audience.

2017 – 2018
Hardee's simplified its logo further, emphasizing sleek black typography paired with the cheerful star. The design highlighted the brand’s name and iconic symbol in a versatile, contemporary manner.

2018 – 2022
The logo featured a bright yellow star with a warm, smiling expression alongside bold black typography. This combination conveyed cheerfulness while retaining an air of modernity and professionalism.

2022 – Present
The current logo blends vibrancy with elegance. A jovial yellow star remains the centerpiece, while the "Hardee's" typeface boasts contemporary lines and a bold black tone, creating a harmonious balance between playfulness and refinement.

Brand Identity and Legacy
Hardee's remains a testament to consistency in quality and innovation in fast food. Its charbroiled burgers, Thickburgers, and "Made From Scratch" biscuits have carved a unique niche in a competitive market. The logo, with its evolving designs, continues to symbolize the brand’s legacy, modernity, and commitment to customer satisfaction.