Thickburger
The CKE restaurants are luring competitors' workers to dine in for half price.
 
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – At least for one day, paper-hat-wearing employees donning polyester uniforms will be found on both sides of the counters at Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. eateries. On Nov. 29, CKE Restaurant Holdings Inc.’s Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. restaurants are welcoming workers from competing chains to visit any of the chain’s locations wearing the uniform of the competing franchise to receive 50 percent off the menu price of any of its signature Thickburgers.

“We will make waves by extending our ‘employee discount’ on any of our 100 percent Angus Charbroiled Thickburgers to any competitor employee in uniform,” said Jeff Jenkins, chief marketing officer.

The offer is available beginning Nov. 29 beginning at 10:30 a.m. local time until close of business. The promotion is extended to employees of any quick-service restaurant, fast-casual and casual chains who are in uniform.

Jenkins says the idea for the campaign stemmed from the prevalence of diners eating at Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. locations that are obviously employees of other chains.  

“We see employees from our competitors dining in our restaurants every day,” he says, “and we don’t blame them.”

The Facebook page and social media platforms of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s were used to promote the unique, one-day promotion one day ahead of time. “Our goal is to get people talking about our food,” Jenkins says, “and what makes our burgers the best in the business.”