Hardee’s — Restaurant in Cleveland

When passion wanes and paychecks persist, the drive to excel fades. Amidst unaddressed mediocrity, a disheartening scene unfolds. Stepping into Hardee's in Cleveland, Tennessee, I anticipated the simple pleasure of a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich—a crispy chicken breast, kissed by spicy seasoning, nestled between a soft bun with a smear of mayo and a sprinkle of pickles. Yet, my hopes were dashed as I encountered a lukewarm patty, languishing under the warming lights. Originally intended for the simplicity of a standard crispy chicken sandwich, it now bore the burden of excess, drowning in Nashville's fiery embrace long after its intended seasoning. This powdered spice mix is intended for immediate application upon exiting the oil; however, any application after that leaves the spice dry and poorly distributed. Inconsistent spices left fiery surprises, while the mayo's uneven spread upset the delicate balance. Adding insult to injury, the fries arrived not warm, but cold—a puzzling anomaly in an otherwise empty eatery. It wasn't the chaos of a busy kitchen that marred this meal, but rather a pervasive apathy or perhaps simple laziness. For those behind the counter, guaranteed pay dulled any desire to strive.

In reflection, my faith in the sanctity of food service falters, as if the essence of culinary dedication has faded away. These franchise owners seem content to coast on their brand's reputation, forsaking the artisanal care that defines true excellence. Surely, were this a local haunt, such lapses would swiftly...

If I could give this place zero stars, I would, but I have to put one or I can’t leave a review. This is the WORST fast food establishment in town. I worked there and I’ve worked at many, many fast food establishments, and even the worst McDonald’s I worked at doesn’t hold a candle to how terrible this place is. Is the food good? Eh. It’s Hardee’s. It’s the same as any other Hardee’s. It’s decent. But the hospitality and management is the worst in the entire Cleveland-Chattanooga area. The servers are good people, but no one is ever happy to be there because the manager is so demeaning to her staff. There is constantly a “Hiring” sign out front because she can’t keep people there. In the short time I worked there, an astounding number of people complained about management. Somehow nothing has changed. This particular Hardee’s is a TERRIBLE representation of a corporation already owned by a terrible, selfish man. The management needs to be blacklisted from working in customer service ever again, the store revamped, and the employees given a chance to work with a kind, HUMAN manager. They’ll be happier to be there, and the store would flourish...

I was really disappointed with hardees today. I'm not sure if there were issues with the registers or what. Anyhow I want to say in the pandemic times we live NEVER and I mean NEVER should food go out the window to a customer who's food it is not. Then when it's realized it wasn't there's you ask for it back and sit it on the counter waiting for the correct purchaser to pull up. NO,NO,NO!!! Well, this happened today. The car in front of Me was given my food and then minutes later asked for it back. When I get up to the window I'm told the car in front of me was charged for my order and there was a refund and I'm supposing this is why we all sat and waited for way longer than normal. When I pay for my order then I'm given the bag which had once been in the persons car ahead of me. I said something to the employee and she was dismissive as if I was not at all warranted with my concern. Anyhow, I took the crumpled up, sideways containers... cold as if it had been in an icebox, gravy, eggs...etc. So waisted money and time today, at a hardees which normally is the best...