GUADALUPE, Ariz., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Three Arizona siblings are taking a page from the book of their grandfather, Carl's Jr. (R) founder, Carl Karcher, to spread holiday cheer. Margaret, Carl and Jason LeVecke are embarking on a multi-stop statewide tour of their 59 Carl's Jr. franchised restaurants expressing their continued personal commitment to their employees and guests, as well as communities, despite the economic downturn.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081204/LATH516)

"Our grandfather faced incredible adversity during more than 50 years of restaurant business," said Jason LeVecke, CEO of MJKL Enterprises, the family's franchise group. "Through thick and thin, success and failure, he taught us that we have to continue to challenge ourselves to do more; to do better; to do right by others; to never give up."

"We are so thankful to all our guests and the communities who support our Carl's Jr. locations. The people in our community and in our state are confronted with a troubled economy and other critical issues affecting our families. We need to do whatever it takes to continue to support and encourage others to support our returning veterans and their families, ailing children and struggling charities who need help now more than ever. We're giving the support. In the Great tradition of Carl's Jr., we're making it happen."

The Carl's Jr. Making it Happen Tour begins Dec. 8 in Phoenix, AZ, and concludes on Dec. 18 in Guadalupe, AZ. The nine day tour will stop at 59 Carl's Jr. restaurants and feature a check presentation to the local charity group, organization or individual. Along the way the vegetable oil fueled Carl's Jr. truck will travel to 23 Arizona cities that span from the pines to the border. Each tour stop will be replete with menu tasting, merchandise coupons and other Carl's Jr. give-away items for guests.

ABOUT MJKL Enterprises

MJKL Enterprises, comprised of five grandchildren of Carl's Jr. founder Carl Karcher, is headquartered in Guadalupe, Ariz. Starting with two Phoenix area Carl's Jr. locations in 2001, the unyielding commitment to quality, service and cleanliness has led to its franchising and operating of 134 restaurants and convenience stores, including 59 Carl's Jr. restaurants; 60 Hardee's(R) restaurants; twelve Pizza Patron(R) restaurants; and three Bill's Ghost and Spirit(R) convenience stores. MJKL operates in seven states; Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee.

ABOUT Carl's Jr.

Carl's Jr. is celebrating more than 65 years in the quick-service industry. What began as a lone hot dog cart in Los Angeles, Calif. in 1941 is today an international organization that employs nearly 30,000 people worldwide. Carl's Jr. is a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: CKR) of Carpinteria, Calif. As of the second fiscal quarter ended August 11, 2008, CKE Restaurants, Inc., through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,100 franchised or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 14 countries, including 1,170 Carl's Jr. restaurants.

SOURCE MJKL Enterprises