Hardee's Franchisee Superior Star Files Bankruptcy, Closes 30 Stores

Hardee's franchisee Superior Star LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week, announcing the closure of 30 of its restaurants. The Phoenix-based company, which previously operated over 90 Hardee's locations, is now down to 59 stores and seeks to restructure its operations. Superior Star acquired these establishments from another franchisee in 2023 and claims it faced significant unforeseen maintenance, repair, and tax costs immediately following the purchase.

According to court filings, Superior Star alleged that some of the purchased Hardee's restaurants were housed in "aged physical facilities" that negatively impacted customer traffic. The company also accused the seller, StarCorp LLC, of misrepresenting and omitting crucial details related to the sale. StarCorp LLC did not respond to requests for comment regarding these allegations.

The 30 Hardee's restaurants that have already closed were located across seven states: Ohio, Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, Kentucky, Indiana, and Missouri. The majority of these closures occurred in November and December 2025. Local media reported on some of these closures, with some accounts suggesting the process was abrupt and that employees were caught unaware.

Specific cities where Hardee's locations have closed include Columbus, OH; Fairmont, MN; Fargo, ND; Le Mars, IA; Louisville, KY; Madison, IN; Mankato, MN; Middletown, OH; Paducah, KY; Sikeston, MO; Sioux City, IA; Sleepy Eye, MN; Springfield, IL; West Fargo, ND; and Willmar, MN. Superior Star is currently seeking to terminate leases and reduce "dark costs" associated with these shuttered locations as part of its bankruptcy proceedings.