BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – Hardee’s restaurants in Berkeley County abruptly closed their doors on Saturday, marking the end of an era for two long‑standing fast‑food fixtures in Goose Creek and Moncks Corner.
A spokesperson for Hardee’s Restaurants confirmed to The Berkeley Observer that both locations were operated by ARC Burger, a franchisee that runs Hardee’s restaurants in several markets. According to the company, the closures were not tied to sales performance but to ARC Burger’s failure to resolve issues within its franchise agreements.
“We can confirm that ARC Burger, a franchisee that independently owns and operates Hardee’s locations in several markets, has closed its locations in Goose Creek, SC and Moncks Corner, SC,” the spokesperson said. “These closures are a result of ARC Burger’s failure to cure its defaults under its franchise agreements, despite solid sales and our continued attempts over the course of many months to reach a resolution that would keep these restaurants open. We understand the impact of these closures on restaurant employees and local communities, and we are working hard to find a path forward to reopen the closed locations. We remain focused on ensuring long-term stability and growth for the Hardee’s brand.”
Attempts to reach ARC Burger for comment were unsuccessful. Emails sent to the address listed on the company’s website bounced back.
At the Moncks Corner restaurant, a printed sign taped to the door thanked customers for their loyalty and announced the closure “until further notice.” The message read in part: “Thank you for being loyal guests and allowing us to be a part of this community… We appreciate your patronage over the years.”
Community Reaction
News of the closures spread quickly across social media, where longtime customers shared memories and frustration.
“So sad, my first job was at Hardee’s… will treasure those great memories!!” wrote Gege Leary.
“I was so upset yesterday when I saw the sign crazy,” another Facebook user posted.
Both locations had served as familiar stops for commuters, families, and early‑morning breakfast crowds, making the sudden shutdown especially noticeable in their respective communities.
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Part of a Larger Trend
The closures in Berkeley County are part of a broader pattern affecting Hardee’s locations nationwide. ARC Burger, the franchisee that operated the Goose Creek and Moncks Corner restaurants, also owns Hardee’s locations in Kansas, Missouri, Alabama, Wyoming, Montana, Illinois, and Georgia – all which have faced similar shutdowns tied to the same franchise dispute.
According to reporting from USA TODAY, Hardee’s filed a lawsuit against ARC Burger in November, alleging the franchisee fell behind on required payments and other contractual obligations. After the lawsuit was filed, ARC Burger began closing all 77 Hardee’s locations it operates across eight states.
Hardee’s corporate leadership says it is working to stabilize operations and hopes to find a path to reopening the Berkeley County locations. For now, both buildings remain dark, leaving residents wondering what comes next for two once‑busy community staples.
