Hardee’s Returns To NJ, First Restaurant In Township

Franklin Township Chamber of Commerce 1st Vice President Peter Stavrianidis, with scissors, cuts the ribbon June 12 on the new Hardee’s restaurant on Route 27. Third from the left is store franchisor, Bhupen Patel.

It wasn’t officially open yet, but the new Hardee’s restaurant on Route 27 was celebrated June 12 with a ribbon cutting.

Attending were township officials, representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Hardee’s corporation, and the location’s franchisee, Bhupen Patel.

The store was scheduled to open 10:30 a.m.. June 15.

Patel is a veteran of the fast food business, having owned between 40 and 50 Dunkin’ Donuts locations in the state. Patel sold those, then went into the hospitality business for a while – the Crowne Plaza was one of his properties – before deciding to focus on developing Hardee’s restaurants in the state.

Hardee’s hasn’t had a New Jersey location for about 20 years. In that time, it’s gone through new ownership and failed marketing before hitting on the formula now employed by the chain.

Patel said he chose the township because he’s familiar with Franklin, and even has his office here.

“It’s a great place to be” he said.

Patel said he decided on the Hardee’s brand because the company dedicates resources to new products, and offers significant marketing help to its franchisees.

Patel said he has three more restaurants on tap for New Jersey: in Brick, Willingboro and Eatontown.

Peter Stavrianidis, the chamber’s first vice president, welcomed Patel to the township.

“It was a good move,” he said. “You’re going to be successful. We wish you all the luck.”

Also on hand were Township Councilman Rajiv Prasad (D-At Large) and Vince Dominach, the township’s chief zoning officer.

Hardee’s Ribbon Cutting

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