Continuing unrest due to the political upheaval in Egypt has forced the temporary closure of 32 Hardee’s locations there.
Officials with the St. Louis-based quick-service chain said some of the restaurants were damaged after being looted. “We have no insight as to whether they were targeted because of their Western affiliation,” said Jenna Petroff, a Hardee’s spokeswoman.
The closures were necessary because of the disruption in the supply chain, as suppliers have been unable to get food deliveries to the units.
The 32 Hardee’s locations in Egypt — including one on Cairo’s Tahrir Square or “Freedom Square” — are operated by 30-year franchisee, The Americana Group, which operates a total of 207 Hardee’s restaurants throughout the Middle East.
Petroff said Hardee’s parent, CKE Restaurants Inc., has two employees based in Cairo who are at home guarding their families.
“Our hopes and prayers are with them, our extended Americana Group family and our loyal customers for their continued safety,” Petroff said.
CKE Restaurants Inc., is based in Carpinteria, Calif.
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].