The Spruce Pine Hardee’s has shut its doors for good.
The fast food eatery located on Highway 19E next to Stamey’s was open on Sunday, Aug. 27 but its main marquee sign outside read “closed” on both sides in big, black letters on Monday, Aug. 28. A glance inside the dining room reveals lights off and all chairs stacked on tables.
William Clark, vice president of operations for Mountain Star LLC, a franchise of Hardee’s Restaurants that ran the local fast food eatery, confirmed in an email exchange with the News-Journal on Wednesday, Aug. 30 that the restaurant is closed permanently.
Clark said the franchise’s lease on the building ran out and the decision was made not to renew. He added that all Hardee’s signage will come down as soon as the vendors are available to perform the work.
Clark said that all active employees were offered positions at the Burnsville, Newland or Marion Hardee’s locations.