Hardee's opened their first fast food restaurant in 1960. The company's original buildings had a sloping roof design and looked very much like early McDonald's buildings. By 1965, Hardee's had 70 locations. Their scalloped roof building design is from around 1965. The design is quite similar to the Big Top convenience store chain. All of these mid-1960s Hardee's buildings probably had the steeples shown in these vintage photos and advertisements. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [1965 ad & Concord scans thanks Robby Delius; Atlanta photo thanks Twig Gravely]

ad from 1964 Fredericksburg, VA

This Hardee's opened in 1964. The building was later occupied by Captain Sid's Seafood & Deli. As of 2010, it was vacant. Only a few Hardee's were built with this style zigzag roof. The only other existing building that I know of is in Fayetteville, TN. [scan thanks Robby Delius]

Hardee's in 1965 [gone] Concord, NC	Hardee's [gone] Concord, NC	Hardee's [gone] Atlanta, GA

I believe all of the surviving Hardee's of this style have been repurposed.

former Hardee's Columbus, GA

This Columbus building is probably the most intact survivor of the chain. It is the only one left that I know of with the steeple. This location was built in or slightly before 1965. The building now houses Thornton's BBQ.

former Hardee's Columbus, GA

This Columbus building is currently occupied by a barber shop. At some point between 2006 and 2010 (left and right photos above), an addition was made to the right of the door.

former Hardee's Blacksburg, VA

This Blacksburg building now houses a travel agency. [photo thanks Twig Gravely]

former Hardee's Charleston, SC

This former Hardee's was occupied by the Blanche Darby Florist for many years. The exterior was intact but the interior was remodeled. The sign was adapted. These photos are from 2007. In 2010, the entire building with the exception of the roof was demolished. East Bay Deli is now located on the property. Does anyone have a photo? For more, see this website. There is another former Hardee's building in Orangeburg, SC which has been altered for the China Express restaurant.

Mr. Dee's Hamburgers Fredericksburg, VA

Mr. Dee's is a former Hardee's. The sign was adapted. This vintage photo shows what this location would have looked like originally.

More Mid-Century Hardee's: Huntsville, AL [vintage; gone] Greenville, NC [vintage; gone] Lynchburg, VA [gone] various locations

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