Wilbur Hardee

ABOUT WILBUR HARDEE

American entrepreneur who founded the Hardee's fast-food chain in 1960.

He worked as a cook and a musician before briefly serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He opened the first Hardee's restaurant in Greenville, North Carolina, on September 3, 1960.

He was raised on a farm in Martin County, North Carolina.

He and Colonel Harland Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame both started major American fast-food chains.