Hardee’s closes in St. Joseph, one of multiple closures across the region

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The St. Joseph Hardee's became the latest location to close its doors Saturday with more than a dozen restaurants reportedly closing in recent weeks across the country.

A sign posted by the restaurant at 3911 N. Belt Highway says the location is closed and will remain closed until further notice.

"Thank you for being loyal guests and for allowing us to be part of this community," the sign reads. "We appreciate your patronage over the years."

At one point the chain operated multiple locations in St. Joseph, including Downtown in the location of the now Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

The fast-food chain was established in 1960 in North Carolina, growing to become a fan-favorite in the United States before running into a prolonged stretch of declining sales in recent years.

According to reporting from various media outlets, ARC Burger, a franchise that owns more than 80 Hardee's locations across Missouri, Kansas and multiple other states, reportedly owes Hardee's more than $6 million in royalty fees and marketing funds.

The two groups are currently in the midst of a legal battle regarding the contract.