CKE Restaurants appoints Alisa Gmelich as president of Hardee's

CKE Restaurants appointed Alisa Gmelich as the new brand president of Hardee's on October 7, 2026. Nation's Restaurant News and PR Newswire reported that Gmelich has been tasked with reigniting business growth, elevating guest experiences, and improving franchisee alignment across the system. [1][6]

Gmelich joins the fast food chain after serving as the chief marketing officer at Sprouts Farmers Market. According to Nation's Restaurant News, her career history includes working as chief brand officer for Auntie Anne's, as well as holding executive roles at IHOP, McDonald's, and Burger King. [1]

Joe Guith, chief executive officer of CKE Restaurants, said in a statement that Gmelich provides the franchise focus necessary to support operators and deliver guest experiences. Nation's Restaurant News reported that the executive team addition aims to support overall brand stability and system growth. [1]

CKE Restaurants operates and franchises more than 3,800 restaurant locations across 44 American states and 43 foreign countries and territories. Hardee's operates primarily in the Midwest and Southern regions of the United States, sharing core menu items with sister chain Carl's Jr. [7]