CKE Restaurants names Alisa Gmelich president of Hardee’s
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Hardee’s has a new brand president in Alisa GmelichPhoto: Shutterstock
CKE Restaurants on Wednesday named Alisa Gmelich president of Hardee’s and has given her a set of tasks: reignite growth, elevate the guest experience, and strengthen franchisee alignment.
Gmelich comes to Hardee’s from Sprouts Farmers Market and previously worked with Auntie Anne’s as its chief brand officer. Earlier in her career, she worked with IHOP, McDonald’s, and Burger King.
“Alisa is exactly the leader Hardee’s needs right now,” Joe Guith, CEO of CKE Restaurants, said in a statement. “She brings the experience and franchise focus to strengthen the brand, support our franchisees, and deliver memorable guest experiences.”
Hardee’s finished 2025 with under 1,500 locations, nearly 400 fewer than it operated in 2017. The chain has closed more locations than it’s opened for each of the past eight years. System sales over that period have declined by about $300 million to just over $2 billion.
“My first priority is building a strong partnership with franchisees,” Gmelich said in a statement. “When we work as true partners, we will drive strong, immediate growth of a brand we can all be proud of.”
Alisa Gmelich | Hardee’s
CKE has made several changes recently to strengthen its leadership team. The company named Iwona Alter president of Carl’s Jr. last year.
Ben Halliwell was named CKE’s chief commercial officer this year. Dalton Nolan, who worked with companies like Church’s, Inspire Brands, and Wendy’s, was named chief financial officer.
Mauricio Sirgo joined CKE last year as chief supply chain officer. Nick Melka was recently named VP of strategy.
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