Customers of Hardee’s locations across Northwest Georgia were shocked on Tueaday as they abruptly closed, including restaurants in Rome and Resaca.
In Rome, the Hardee’s on Turner McCall Boulevard and at Six Mile was closed with signage posted on the doors.
While Hardee’s has not released a local statement, the Northwest Georgia closures appear tied to a larger franchise dispute unfolding nationwide.
According to Restaurant Business, Hardee’s has filed a lawsuit against ARC Burger, a large franchisee that operates dozens of Hardee’s restaurants across the Southeast and Midwest, including Georgia.
ARC Burger acquired many of its locations in 2023 after purchasing them out of bankruptcy from Summit Restaurant Holdings.
Hardee’s alleges ARC Burger owes more than $6.5 million in unpaid royalties, rent, and marketing fees across 28 locations in multiple states.
The company says it terminated ARC’s franchise agreements after repeated defaults and failed attempts to resolve the issue through a workout or forbearance agreement.
