Cke Restaurants, Inc. Reports Positive Period Four And First Quarter Blended Same-store Sales

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

(Wednesday, May 31, 2006) - CKE Restaurants,
Inc. (NYSE: CKR) announced today period four same-store sales for the four
weeks ended May 22, 2006, for Carl's Jr.(R) and Hardee's(R).




Brand Period 4 First Quarter
FY 2007 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2006
Carl's Jr. +6.8% +1.5% +5.6% +2.4%
Hardee's +7.9% -1.0% +5.6% -0.1%
Blended +7.3% +0.2% +5.6% +1.1%



Commenting on the Company's performance, Andrew F. Puzder, president and
chief executive officer, said, "We are pleased to report our sixth consecutive
period of positive same-store sales for both Carl's Jr. and Hardee's. We
believe these results further demonstrate our ability to successfully
introduce new premium-quality menu items despite challenging macroeconomic
conditions, and further support our decision to proceed with our capital plan
as outlined in our recent year-end earnings call."

"During period four, Carl's Jr. promoted its 'bigger, better' Bacon Swiss
Crispy Chicken Sandwich(TM), supported with a television ad starring
Dr. Robert Rey from E! Entertainment's Dr. 90210 program," 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 four were higher than any
comparable period four ever."

"Carl's Jr. same-store sales increased 5.6 percent for the first quarter
on top of a 2.4 percent increase in the prior-year's quarter," Puzder
continued. "We attribute this increase to the popularity of our new menu
items, including the unique Jalapeno Burger(TM) promoted earlier in the
quarter, as well as the overall strength of the Carl's Jr. brand." Revenue
for the first quarter from company-operated Carl's Jr. restaurants (exclusive
of franchise-related revenue and royalties) was approximately $187.1 million.

"Hardee's results for the period reflect the success of its popular new
Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger(TM), a 1/3-pound Thickburger(R) topped with
sliced steak, cheese, green peppers and onions. This new Thickburger,
featuring 'meat as a condiment' as the late-night comedians refer to it, has
generated national media attention as well as raves from our guests," Puzder
continued. "On a two-year cumulative basis, same-store sales at Hardee's have
increased almost seven percent. In addition, Hardee's period four average
unit volume was higher than any comparable period four since fiscal 1997."

"Hardee's recorded a same-store sales increase of 5.6 percent for the
quarter, lapping essentially flat results in the prior year. We believe these
gains were driven by our efforts to broaden the brand's appeal through the
selective expansion of our menu, including the promotion of premium chicken
sandwiches and an entrée salad earlier in the quarter." Revenue for the first
quarter from company-operated Hardee's restaurants (exclusive of franchise-
related revenue and royalties) was approximately $189.9 million.



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



Carl's Jr. $ 187.1 million
Hardee's $ 189.9 million
La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill(R) $ 13.9 million
---------------
Total $ 390.9 million



Same-store sales results for period five of fiscal year 2007, ending
June 19, 2006, will be reported on or about June 28, 2006.

As of the fiscal year ended Jan. 30, 2006, CKE Restaurants, Inc., through
its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,160 franchised or company-owned restaurants
in 43 states and in 13 countries, including 1,049 Carl's Jr. restaurants,
1,993 Hardee's restaurants and 102 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.
-0- 05/31/2006
/CONTACT: John Beisler, Vice President - Investor Relations,
CKE Restaurants, Inc., +1-805-745-7750/
/Web site: http://www.ckr.com /(CKR)

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