CKE Restaurants, Inc. Names Richard Buxton Executive Vice President of Real Estate Development

CARPINTERIA, Calif., Aug. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CKE Restaurants, Inc. announced today the appointment of Richard Buxton as executive vice president of real estate development. Buxton will oversee real estate development for franchise- and company-operated Carl's Jr.(R), Hardee's(R) and La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill(R) restaurant locations.

Before joining CKE, Buxton represented World Savings Bank as senior vice president of corporate development, where he oversaw the management and expansion of the corporation's real estate assets. Prior to his service at World Savings Bank, Buxton built his experience over 20 years as a member of the McDonald's corporation in real estate and development. Before leaving McDonald's, he had led restaurant development as director of the Pacific Sierra region of the United States. Buxton holds a bachelor's degree in real estate from Ohio State University.

"Richard brings capability and a wealth of experience to the position of executive vice president overseeing real estate development," said Andrew F. Puzder, president and chief executive officer of CKE Restaurants, Inc. "His years in the QSR industry make him highly qualified for the job. We believe he is the right person at the right time for this company. We are pleased to add such a valuable individual to our management team."

Buxton replaces former executive vice president of real estate development Renea S. Hutchings, who is no longer with the company.

As of the first fiscal quarter ended May 22, 2006, CKE Restaurants, Inc., through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,141 franchised or company-owned restaurants in 43 states and in 13 countries, including 1,062 Carl's Jr. restaurants, 1,963 Hardee's restaurants and 100 La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill restaurants.