Cke Restaurants, Inc. Reports Positive Period Two Blended Same-store Sales

Both Brands Record Highest Period Two Average Unit Volumes in Recent History

(Wednesday, April 05, 2006) - CKE Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: CKR) announced today period two same-store sales for the four weeks ended March 27, 2006, for Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's®.

Brand Period 2 Year to Date
FY 2007 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2006
Carl's Jr. +4.3% +4.2% +7.2% +3.3%
Hardee's +7.2% -0.3% +5.7% +1.3%
Blended +5.8% +1.9% +6.5% +2.3%
Commenting on the Company's performance, Andrew F. Puzder, president and chief executive officer, said, "We are pleased to report positive same-store sales for Carl's Jr. and Hardee's for the fourth consecutive period. We believe these gains are a combination of continued successful product promotions and our efforts to expand the appeal of Hardee's through the selective development of other menu categories. Since neither brand had significant new product activity during the period, we believe these results reflect the basic strength of our businesses. Both brands also benefited from the Easter holiday shift out of period two this year, although this factor will work against Carl's Jr. and Hardee's in period three."

"Carl's Jr. continued to promote its unique Jalapeno Burger(TM) during the lunch/dinner daypart and began media support for the Steak & Egg Burrito(TM) at breakfast. Carl's Jr. also featured an OREO® cookie variety of its Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts(TM) through in-store advertising," said Puzder. "On a two-year cumulative basis, same-store sales at Carl's Jr. have increased more than eight percent. Average unit volumes for period two were higher than any comparable period two ever." Revenue for period two from company-operated Carl's Jr. restaurants (exclusive of franchise-related revenue and royalties) was approximately $47.2 million.

"At Hardee's, we continued to advertise products designed to help broaden the brand's appeal, including the Big Chicken Fillet(TM) and the Red Burrito Taco Salad(TM), as well as our improved value offering, the 2-for-$3 1/4-lb. Double Cheeseburger. We also promoted the Steak 'N' Egg Burrito(TM) during our breakfast daypart," Puzder continued. "On a two-year cumulative basis, Hardee's same-store sales have increased almost seven percent. In addition, Hardee's period two average unit volume was higher than any comparable period two since fiscal 1997." Revenue for period two from company-operated Hardee's restaurants (exclusive of franchise-related revenue and royalties) was approximately $47.3 million.

For period two, consolidated revenue from company-operated restaurants (exclusive of all franchise-related revenue and royalties) was approximately as follows:

Carl's Jr. $ 47.2 million
Hardee's $ 47.3 million
La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill® $ 3.4 million
Total $ 97.9 million
Same-store sales results for period three of fiscal year 2007, ending April 24, 2006, will be reported on or about May 3, 2006.

CKE Restaurants, Inc. plans to release fourth quarter and year-end results for its 2006 fiscal year on Thursday, April 6, 2006, after the market closes, when a summary press release will be issued and its Report on Form 10-K will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A conference call and webcast with management will be held the following morning, Friday, April 7, 2006. Details of the call were issued in a previous press release.

As of the end of its fiscal third quarter on Nov. 7, 2005, CKE Restaurants, Inc., through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,163 franchised and company-owned restaurants in 43 states and in 13 countries, including 1,042 Carl's Jr. restaurants, 2,004 Hardee's restaurants and 101 La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill restaurants.

SAFE HARBOR DISCLOSURE

Matters discussed in this news release contain forward-looking statements relating to future plans and developments, financial goals and operating performance that are based on management's current beliefs and assumptions. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict, are beyond the Company's control and which may cause results to differ materially from expectations. Factors that could cause the Company's results to differ materially from those described include, but are not limited to, whether or not restaurants will be closed and the number of restaurant closures, consumers' concerns or adverse publicity regarding the Company's products, the effectiveness of operating initiatives and advertising and promotional efforts (particularly at the Hardee's brand), changes in economic conditions or prevailing interest rates, changes in the price or availability of commodities, availability and cost of energy, workers' compensation and general liability premiums and claims experience, changes in the Company's suppliers' ability to provide quality and timely products to the Company, delays in opening new restaurants or completing remodels, severe weather conditions, the operational and financial success of the Company's franchisees, franchisees' willingness to participate in the Company's strategies, the availability of financing for the Company and its franchisees, unfavorable outcomes in litigation, changes in accounting policies and practices, effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, new legislation or government regulation (including environmental laws), the availability of suitable locations and terms for the sites designated for development, and other factors as discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward- looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law or the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.

SOURCE CKE Restaurants, Inc.

John Beisler, Vice President - Investor Relations of CKE Restaurants, Inc., +1-805-745-7750

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