Ned Lyerly always had a taste for hamburgers. Now as Senior Vice President of Global Franchise Development for U.S.-based CKE Restaurants Inc. (CKE), which includes Carl's Jr. and Hardee's quick service chains, Lyerly has much of the world biting intohis company's tasty burgers and other dishes dressed to appeal to local palates.It all started just a few short years ago, when the St. Louis, Missouri-based company's "appetite" for new customers took on an increased international flavor. Having acquired Hardee's, which already had international operations in the Middle East in 1997, CKE decided to focus on expanding its Carl's Jr. brand internationally due to the strong appeal of its lunch and dinner menu, while mamtaining Hardee's strong breakfast niche. Because of strong growth opportunities abroad, investor interest and potential consumer appeal for its brand, CKE planned to build its bottom line through market diversificatioa.
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