Hardees Lays Off 180 in Rocky Mount

For months, layoffs have been rumored for employees of Hardees, but Wednesday, those rumors were sadly confirmed.

The Rocky Mount-based fast food chain that has recently been sold delivered walking papers Tuesday to 180 workers, many of whom were given no prior notice.

The company that bought Hardees, CKE Restaurants, says because of legal boundaries, it couldn't tell many people that they would be laid off until after the sale went through. That's why 95 employees in the Rocky Mount office were told after lunch Wednesday that it was their last day on the job.

Executives say they hated having to terminate any employees, but were forced to do so because many of CKE's current employees already hold identical positions. CKE Executive Bill Foley said the sale and the lay-offs have been difficult.

CKE plans to continue occupying the Rocky Mount office with 400 employees. Executives say there will be no more layoffs.

Reporter/Photographer:Brian Bowman