From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
PINSON — Pinson diners were surprised to find the Hardee’s restaurant closed and the menu boards wiped clean last week, and they weren’t alone. Hardee’s locations in Springville, Leeds, Pell City, Oxford and Heflin met the same fate.
Ron Mason, director of operations for HNI, LLC, which operates 41 Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. locations, told the Anniston Star that the company closed underperforming units as part of a restructuring plan in the Birmingham area market.
Mason told the Star that all of the employees at the closed restaurants would be paid on their regular pay day and be offered jobs at other locations within the restaurant chain. He said the company is actively looking for sites for new Hardee’s locations.
The Hardee’s restaurants in Trussville and Clay, as well as the location on Parkway East, remain open in the immediate area. The Trussville location recently made news when the restaurant received a health rating of 75 on a recent inspection by the Jefferson County Department of Health.
On social media, many Pinson diners expressed disappointment in the closing while others commented on experiences of poor service.
In Pinson, the closing marked the loss of a second food choice for diners after Daylight Donuts also announced on Jan. 10 that the Pinson location was closing.
“Important announcement: We want to notify our customers that unfortunately, Saturday will be our last day at this location,” was posted on the Facebook page for Daylight Donuts — Pinson. “As of now, we are regrouping and making the business strictly mobile. We will update when plans are established. Thank you to all who have supported us.”