Fast-Food Chain Hardee’s Closing 77 Restaurants Across Nine States

Dozens of Hardee’s locations across nine states are set to shut down after franchisee ARC Burger, LLC filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

The major operator — one of the chain’s largest — is liquidating its assets and shutting down 77 Hardee’s locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina and Wyoming. The proceeds from the liquidation will be distributed to creditors.

The collapse follows a months-long legal battle between ARC and Hardee’s, which alleges the franchisee racked up more than $6.5 million in unpaid fees and royalties.

Hardee’s is hardly the only fast-food chain or operator struggling.

Recently, Fat Brands announced it was filing for bankruptcy  protection. Fat Brands is the parent company of 18 restaurant chains, including Fatburger, Fazoli’s, Johnny Rockets, Twin Peaks, Smoky Bones, Great American Cookies, Ponderosa, Elevation Burger, Round Table Pizza and Marble Slab Creamery.