The Centralia Hardees has permanently closed.
Employees were unaware that the restaurant was shutting down until officials of the franchisee, Superior Star, arrived on Thursday and announced the immediate closure. The doors were closed at 3 pm, with a sign hung outside reading ‘This store is permanently closed. Thank you for your business. Please visit us at one of our other locations!’
The employees were told the closure was the result of the lease for the building not being renewed.
There are 15 employees of the restaurant, only two of whom reportedly have transportation. The company is offering to try and find them employment at other Hardees or telling the workers they can apply for unemployment.
Some employees worked on Friday to clean up and get a few more hours before their jobs ended.
Centralia Economic Development Director Rob Jackson says the city had no advanced notification of the closing or was not told of any issues the operator was having. He plans to reach out to the franchisee to see if any assistance is needed. If nothing can be done, Jackson says the city will assist in attracting a new business to that location.
Hardee’s has closed a number of restaruants around the country, with Benton and Marion locations also closing in the past two days.
The now vacant Centralia Hardees Restaurant on West Broadway. Photo by Pat Hodges.
