Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s have been exposed by the 2024 Eggsposé. While nearly a decade ago they promised to get the hens in their supply chains out of cages, they had failed to publicly report any progress. These corporations, both owned by CKE Restaurants, are ranked in the top 50 biggest US restaurant brands, yet they had not been top companies when it came to animal welfare and fulfilling commitments to customers.

As of July 2024, Carl’s Jr. has since updated its website stating "We are pleased to report that in all domestic Carl’s Jr. restaurants we have met our commitment and are 100% cage-free." While we congratulate Carl’s Jr. on this progress, CKE still needs to report Hardee's cage-free egg progress as well!

Hardee’s claims innovation is what drives their business, but how can they be innovators when they lag behind? Many of CKE’s competitors are meeting their cage-free commitments years before their deadlines, like McDonald’s and Taco Bell, or are transparently reporting progress on their commitments, like Jack in the Box and White Castle. So why is Hardee’s seemingly continuing to support such an archaic practice?

The chickens in Hardee’s egg supply chains suffer in dirty cages that are so cramped, they cannot even spread their wings. No one should spend their entire life being prevented from fully extending their limbs. 

Each hen is unable to engage in simple, natural behaviors like dust-bathing, nesting, and perching. She will never experience the warmth of the sun on her body or the cool grass beneath her feet. Instead, she will suffer psychological distress and physical ailments, living an unnaturally short life in a space the size of a home microwave.

Hardee’s says it’s “impossible to ignore,” but consumers know it’s impossible to ignore the suffering the corporation continues to support. It’s time for Hardee’s to publicly report their cage-free egg progress once and for all!

Empty promises won’t empty cages. Take action now at CageyCKE.com and HeartlessHardees.com!