Hardee's franchisee files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Hardee’s franchisee Superior Star LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a U.S. Bankruptcy Court on July 9 to invoke an automatic stay amid a dispute over millions of dollars. The Phoenix-based franchisee faces an alleged seller financing disagreement tied to a $7.04 million seller note with Starcorp LLC, listed as its largest creditor. Court filings show Superior Star has $10 million to $50 million in assets and liabilities and currently operates 59 Hardee’s locations in Midwestern states after purchasing 93 locations in 10 states from Starcorp in 2023. Hardee’s said the filing reflects Superior Star’s specific business circumstances, while the company remains focused on strengthening the system. The article places the case within a wider CKE Restaurants Holdings franchise dispute pattern, including a prior Hardee’s franchisee that sought Chapter 7 liquidation.