Selling a Hardee’s Franchise

Franchise Resale & M&A Advisory for Hardee’s Franchise Owners

By Mercedes Shaffer, Managing Director | Highwater Partners

Selling a Hardee’s franchise is a strategic transaction that requires brand-specific expertise, disciplined valuation, and national buyer exposure. Hardee’s operates within a long-established QSR franchise system with defined transfer standards, and franchise resales are carefully evaluated by buyers, lenders, landlords, and the franchisor—making experienced M&A representation essential to achieving optimal value.

At Highwater Partners, we specialize in franchise resale and M&A advisory for franchise owners, representing Hardee’s franchisees across the United States. We advise owners on single-unit sales, multi-unit portfolio exits, and strategic divestitures, delivering a professional, highly structured process designed to maximize value and ensure transaction certainty.

True to our name, Highwater Partners serves clients at the highest level, combining disciplined execution with senior-level advisory and respect for the significance of each transaction.

Why Selling a Hardee’s Franchise Requires Specialized M&A Expertise

Hardee’s franchise resales involve system-specific and operational considerations, including:

• Franchisor approval and formal transfer processes

• Buyer net worth, liquidity, and QSR operating experience standards

• Brand compliance reviews, remodel requirements, and audits

• Lease assignment, landlord consent, and real estate economics

• Portfolio considerations for multi-unit franchise operators

These factors directly affect valuation credibility, buyer eligibility, financing, and transaction timelines. A general business broker may understand restaurants—but a franchise M&A advisor understands Hardee’s.

How Hardee’s Franchises Are Valued

Hardee’s franchise valuations are driven by cash flow durability, operational consistency, and transferability, not gross sales.

Key valuation considerations include:

• Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) or EBITDA

• Trailing twelve-month and historical financial performance

• Unit-level margins, food cost controls, and labor efficiency

• Lease terms, rent ratios, and remaining option periods

• Management depth versus owner involvement

• Brand compliance and anticipated capital expenditures

At Highwater Partners, we apply M&A-grade financial normalization and valuation methodologies, ensuring the business is positioned credibly for sophisticated buyers and lenders.

Who Is Buying Hardee’s Franchises Today

Active buyers for Hardee’s franchises include:

• Existing Hardee’s franchisees expanding regionally

• Multi-unit, multi-brand QSR operators

• Private equity–backed franchise platforms

• Strategic buyers seeking established, scalable restaurant brands

Through maximum listing exposure and targeted outreach, we ensure sellers reach the most qualified and motivated buyers nationwide.

National Exposure, Executed at the Highest Level

Highwater Partners is a national business brokerage and M&A advisory firm representing franchise owners and independent multi-unit operators across restaurants, wellness, fitness, beauty, and pet services. Led by a team of elite business brokers and franchise M&A professionals, the firm delivers maximum listing exposure, disciplined valuation, and transaction management at the highest level.

Highwater Partners delivers broad, national exposure through:

• A proprietary database of 100,000+ qualified franchisees and private equity investors

• A nationwide network of 110+ professional business brokers across the United States

• Direct outreach to active, brand-aligned buyers

• Professionally prepared marketing materials built for serious acquirers

Our approach balances maximum exposure with disciplined execution, ensuring sellers receive both attention and professionalism at the highest level.

Why Hardee’s Franchise Owners Choose Highwater Partners

Franchise owners choose Highwater Partners because we provide:

• Top-tier professionals with deep franchise and M&A experience

• Brand-specific Hardee’s resale expertise

• Institutional-quality valuation and deal preparation

• National buyer reach supported by a disciplined process

• A service standard rooted in operating at the highest level

• Professional, discreet representation from start to close

We are trusted advisors for franchise owners who value execution, integrity, and results.

Our Hardee’s Franchise Resale Process

1. Confidential valuation and strategic exit planning

2. Professional CIM and transaction preparation

3. National buyer exposure and targeted outreach

4. Buyer qualification and franchisor coordination

5. Offer negotiation and deal structuring

6. Transaction management through closing

Every step is designed to protect value, reduce execution risk, and respect the responsibility of representing your business.

When Is the Right Time to Sell a Hardee’s Franchise?

The strongest outcomes typically occur when:

• Cash flow is stable or improving

• Financials are clean and defensible

• Lease terms support buyer financing

• Management systems are in place

• Buyer demand is active

Preparation and representation often matter as much as timing.

Speak with a Franchise M&A Advisor

If you are considering selling your Hardee’s franchise—now or in the future—begin with a confidential consultation.

Mercedes Shaffer

Managing Director | Highwater Partners

Call or text: 714.330.9999