A Tasteful Change

By: American Decency Staff

 

Long time readers American Decency know that we have targeted the Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. restaurant chain for their pornographic ad campaigns.  Soon after CEO Andrew Puzder took the helm of the company 16 years ago, Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr., a subsidiary of CKE Restaurant Holdings,  began a series of erotic ads featuring models such Kate Upton and Paris Hilton – and ADA began urging people to contact the company. 

At first, ADA would hear directly from Puzder in response to our calls/emails of concern.  However, soon he turned a deaf ear and the sexualized continued.   Each year the ads pushed the envelope further and further, receiving much backlash. As one of our supporters wrote, “I would not buy ANYTHING from Hardee’s due to the incredibly inappropriate commercials they run.  I find it alarming that my family has to endure this and other trashy advertising.  Let them know by not supporting them with your money and maybe they will get the message.  Otherwise this is what we can expect from now on.”

We were dismayed when President Trump originally chose Andrew Puzder as his candidate for Labor Secretary.  Yet in February Puzder withdrew his name when pushback from Republican senators proved he would not get enough votes for confirmation.  During the confirmation process, news broke of alleged spousal abuse charges Puzder’s wife had made in 1990.  Some senators also raised concerns about the pornographic depiction of women in Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. ads under Puzder’s leadership.

Now not only is Puzder out as potential Labor Secretary, he is also stepping down as CEO of Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr.  And with that change in leadership is coming a change in advertising strategy.  The company has announced it is leaving behind their pornographic ad campaigns and, refreshingly, focusing on selling their sandwiches – not sex.

Speaking to Stuart Varney on the Fox Business Network, Puzder spoke of the new ad direction that is coinciding with his departure.  “… I may certainly like the ads we’ve been running a long time, but the younger guys can get that on the internet.”  He added, “Look, young hungry guys aren’t as affected by the racy ads … (The ads0 don’t have as much of an impact.”

I know one person who would especially be happy to hear of this new ad direction – unfortunately he passed away in 2008.  I’m speaking of the original owner of Carl’s Jr. and CKE Restaurant Holdings, Carl Karcher, who started the chain with a single hot dog stand in 1941.  Karcher spoke openly about his Christian faith and, according to an article in Los Angeles Daily News, his religious views were tightly woven with his business.  Karcher served as chairman and CEO of the company until its own board of directors voted him out in 1993.  Karcher objected to the sexualized ad campaign that began after his departure from the company and according to an Associated Press report in 2008, Karcher was “heartbroken that a company he founded on Christian principles has taken such an amoral act.”

While Karcher isn’t here to rejoice, we at ADA are thankful that this company has finally turned away from the pornographic ads that have tarnished the name of Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. for years.

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A WEEKEND CONFERENCE
 “Why Do the Nations Rage?”
When:  June 2-4 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Where: The Shack Country Inn 2263 W. 14th Street, White Cloud, MI  49349
ph:  231-924-6683 – http://shackcountryinn.com/

Featured Speakers:

Dave Agema, Former Republican National Committee Member, former state representative from Jenison, MI, former Airforce jet fighter pilot, former pilot for American Airlines.

Bill Johnson, Founder and president of American Decency Association, AFA’s first named state director (1987-1999), Leading ADA for its eighteen years of existence.

Pastor Ron Workman, Long time Bible Church pastor having served in Illinois, Florida and Michigan. Ron is the founder of Interim Ministries Incorporated. He has helped many churches through times of pastoral transition.

Pastor Terry D. Slachter, Is the head of Reaching America Ministries (formerly Project Philip).  Terry has pastored in Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis and he is currently pastoring in Lamont, MI.  Terry encourages and equips churches and individual Christians to sow the seed of the gospel.

Mary Beeke, Author of the book,  The Law of Kindness.  In it, Mary examines the idea of kindness, and gives helpful advice for putting it into action. She includes specific chapters addressed to wives, husbands, parents, teachers, and children.

Dr. Joel Beeke, International speaker and president of the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, author and pastor.

Further registration information and limitations:

There are 55 lodging rooms available. 

Call early to register for either a room or to reserve a place to attend the conference even though you won’t be an overnight paid guest.

$240.00 (for two nights) Back view rooms
$260.00 (for two nights) Lake view rooms
$300.00 (for two nights) Hot tub rooms

These costs include all meals and a banana split served nightly.  Meals may also be purchased ala carte for those who attend the conference only, and do not spend the night.

To register for a room call The Shack at 231-924-6683 and ask for the ADA rate.              

Also, call us at ADA to register for the conference.  Let us know if you will be an overnight guest or coming just for the conference sessions.  Call ADA at 231-924-4050.

To support our efforts please click here or mail your gift to American Decency Association (ADA), PO Box 202, Fremont, MI 49412.  

American Decency Association is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

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