BARNWELL, S.C. (April 20, 2020) – The “new” Hardee’s^® of Barnwell opened bright and early today right in the same spot as the ‘old’ Hardee’s.

The new Hardee’s is at 10262 Dunbarton Blvd. where the ‘old’ Hardee’s was closed in November to make way for construction of its replacement. The new restaurant reopened at 5 a.m. and features the popular menu of Made From Scratch^TM Breakfast Biscuits, a delicious range of Black Angus charbroiled Thickburgers^®  as well as a new line of charbroiled Star Burgers. Also back are Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders,^TM  and delicious Fresh Fried Chicken.

For the time being, the restaurant will feature drive-thru service and pick-up only in the dining area. During this period of no in-restaurant dining because of precautions against coronavirus, the hours of the restaurant will be 5 a.m. through 9 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. The hours will expand once precautions against the coronavirus are lifted.

The new Hardee’s seats up to 50 guests and has a distinctive contemporary look with the latest “retro” Hardee’s restaurant design. The restaurant also features free wi-fi service. It also has a digital menu board at the counter and at the drive-thru order area. The restaurant employs about 50 workers plus several managers.

“We’re really excited to be back with the Barnwell location and appreciate our customers’ patience while we did this rebuild,” said Mike Boddie, president of Boddie-Noell Enterprises, the owner-operator. “As a family-owned company, we are glad to be involved again in supporting this area and look forward to getting back to normal.”

This reopened Hardee’s is one of more than a dozen locations in South Carolina and among 347 Hardee’s across four states operated by family-owned Boddie-Noell. The company has been a Hardee’s franchise operator for 58 years and is the largest Hardee’s franchisee in the United States. 

About Boddie-Noell Enterprises
Boddie-Noell is proud to have been a Hardee’s franchise operator for 58 years. Family-owned, Boddie-Noell is the largest Hardee’s franchisee in the United States with 347 restaurant locations in four states. The company is based in Rocky Mount, N.C. For more information, visit www.bneinc.com.

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (March 19, 2020) – The largest Hardee’s franchise operator in the United States, Boddie-Noell Enterprises, announced today it will go to drive-thru service only and suspend dining-in service except for pick-up at all of its 340-plus restaurant locations as a precaution against potential coronavirus concerns.

The company will also modify its operating hours to 5 a.m. to 9 p.m Monday through Saturday and Sunday 6 a.m at 9 p.m. at all 346 Hardee’s restaurants it owns and operates in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina and eastern Kentucky. Boddie-Noell does not operate all Hardee’s locations in any of the four states and other franchisees may not have taken these steps taken by Boddie-Noell.

Customers can access the dining areas to place orders for delivery or pick-up by services. For instance, Uber Eats will offer free deliveries for the next two weeks.

“The safety of our employees and our guests is our top priority. We’ve made this decision to go to drive-thru, pick-up and delivery service only out of an abundance of caution and to assure our customers we take their safety and health seriously during this uncertain time,” said Mike Boddie, president of Boddie-Noell Enterprises. “It’s also to address any concerns our employees might have as we continue to put in place the best health and safety practices that we can.”

The company said it will maintain the drive thru and pick up-only service as long as it remains advisable or public health authorities ask restaurants to do so. It also is reducing operating hours to provide employees more time to maintain enhanced cleaning, sanitation and health measures.

Boddie-Noell already has put in place enhanced cleaning and sanitation practices at all of its Hardee’s locations. The company also provided additional training for employees to monitor their own health and take immediate steps if they have any health or illness concerns.

“We’re going to be as proactive as we possibly can to ensure that our restaurants meet or exceed health and safety requirements and to take additional measures that our customers would expect of us as members of hundreds of local communities at this time,” said Boddie.

About Boddie-Noell Enterprises

Boddie-Noell is proud to have been a Hardee’s franchise operator for 58 years.

Family-owned, Boddie-Noell is the largest Hardee’s franchisee in the United

States with 346 restaurant locations in four states. The company is based in Rocky Mount, N.C. For more information, visit www.bneinc.com.

Hello, it’s me again!

Another month has come and gone at RRC and somehow we’re easing our way into fall. The past month has been packed full of client work and I can’t wait to share what I’ve been doing with you all.

Last time you heard from me I spoke about a blogger campaign for our client, Kannon’s Clothing. This is a project that Lindsay has allowed me to take a big part in this summer. It has been a lot of fun collaborating with local bloggers and seeing the creative posts they have done for Kannon’s. Here’s a great example of one of those posts from local bloggers, Baubles and Backdrops. You can also check out their Instagram to see some of the social media they’ve done in collaboration with Kannon’s.

In other news, I’m still doing a lot of work with client social media, reaching out to news outlets, researching local organizations’ networking and speaking opportunities and much more. I was able to attend a Raleigh Public Relations Society luncheon with Lindsay last month and I now look forward to becoming a member myself. This summer has flown by and I can’t believe how much I have learned in just two short months. Being able to apply my knowledge to real clients and situations has been amazing and I can’t thank Lindsay enough for being with me every step of the way.

Until next time!

-Addison

“Snapchat isn’t about capturing the traditional Kodak moment. It’s about communicating with the full range of human emotion – not just what appears to be pretty or perfect.” – Evan Spiegel, Snapchat CEO

With so many different social media platforms in existence today, it’s hard to choose which will best promote your business. With that being said, it is important to research and strategically plan how you’re going to attack the social media game.

One of the newest kids on the block is Snapchat. With Facebook, Instagram and Twitter being the main platforms businesses are using, Snapchat has been a bit under the radar when it comes to business promotion. Snapchat may not be for all businesses, but I am here to convince you why you should consider creating an account.

The Basics

Snapchat is a one-to-one and group messaging app that lets users send photos, videos and messages that disappear within several seconds. Snapchat features Stories, which are photo or video messages that can be replayed by followers for 24 hours and Memories, which are saved photos for sharing later. The app is only 5 years old, and has 150 million daily active users. And, here’s the real kicker, only 1 percent of marketers use Snapchat.

Interested yet? Let’s keep going.

Huge Millennial Reach

Twenty-six percent of people surveyed between the ages of 12 and 24 said they used Snapchat the most, only second to Facebook. The average user age group is between 12 and 34. With the majority of Millennials ditching traditional news outlets to get their news updates from social media platforms, it is more vital than ever for businesses to seek out new ways to reach target audiences.

Cheaper Advertising

Snapchat has three types of ads: Sponsored Lenses, Sponsored Geofilters and Snap Ads.

Let’s break each of these down.

A Sponsored Geofilter is an illustrated overlay that captures who your business is and what you’re up to. Sponsored Geofilters can be added to privately-sent snaps or publicly-shared Stories. Geofilters can be purchased directly from Snapchat’s sales team. When bought from a sales team rep, you can add a Smart Geofilter to connect the ad to specific locations. When people use Snapchat within the specific geographical region you have set, the option to use the filter will appear when they take a photo or video. Geofilters are best for small, local companies such as a coffee shop or small boutique.

A Sponsored Lens is a filter that alters your face and/or surrounds in real time with animations. Lenses can be purchased directly from Snapchat’s sales team as well. Lenses are highly interactive and allow followers to “play” and interact with your company.

Snap Ads are vertical videos that run for up to ten seconds.

Brand Use for Snapchat

Some of the best ways for your business to utilize Snapchat is by way of contests, sneak peeks, coupon codes, behind-the-scenes viewing and employee introductions. As mentioned in the above quote by CEO Evan Spiegel, the app was designed to show followers real content. Your Snapchat offers a glimpse into what truly goes into running your business. It is important to keep your account fun, playful and real- Snapchat isn’t the place to be negative. Make your brand appear authentic.

Get Ahead of the Curve

Since Snapchat is a newer app, a lot of businesses (especially smaller ones) have not adopted it just yet. Companies are still using Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as their primary social media platforms. Get ahead of the curve by creating a Snapchat account!

Who Shouldn’t Use Snapchat?

In my own humble opinion, almost every type of business can benefit from using Snapchat. However, if your target audience is solely middle-aged to older adults, Snapchat may not be the right platform for your business (although I still believe that every age group can enjoy Snapchat!).

Overall, Snapchat is an app your business needs to consider using. I hope you have learned a little something from reading this post and that you’re going to run out and create a Snapchat account immediately after you’re finished reading.

That’s all for now. Happy Snapping!

Graduating college has easily been the most exciting, terrifying, fun and bittersweet thing I have ever experienced. I think the saying goes, “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” While I do believe this to be true, and I have been in a minor state of confusion since graduating three short months ago, I am beginning to come to terms with this new chapter of life and embrace it.

I am starting to realize that there are about a million other aspiring young professionals in my exact same position and now is not the time to sit idle waiting for an opportunity to come knocking. One thing I have found the most helpful in my post grad journey is listening to every piece of advice that is given to me. PR News posted a great article highlighting six tips for recent grads. According to the article, nearly 1.1 million students received bachelor’s degrees this year, with nearly 10 percent being communications/journalism majors. It’s a dog eat dog world out there and I want to share their tips with you and throw a little of my own knowledge at you. Here’s my take on each of the tips from PR News.

1. Don’t underestimate the importance of good writing skills

Writing is the focal point of any career in the communications industry. This article highlights the importance of improving your writing skills and says one way to become a better writer is to read. I would also like to say - don’t throw away your AP Stylebook!! Mine still comes in handy and I refer to it whenever I am questioning something.

2. Network anywhere and everywhere

This is something that I used to brush off whenever it was said to me. I used to think that having a strong resume and writing samples would be enough to get my foot in the door of any company, but boy was I wrong. Learning about and accepting the importance of networking has been so challenging for me, but I have learned that it is the most important piece of advice given to me. You can find connections in the most unlikely places, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! More likely than not, the person you are talking to has been in your shoes once before and will respect you for reaching out and trying to form a connection.

3. Be persistent in your follow-up

Okay, I lied. This has been one of the most challenging concepts for me to grasp post grad. In my generation, we expect everything to be immediate. I am so used to sending someone a text message and receiving a response almost immediately. This is not always a given in the corporate world. I have gone weeks, sometimes even months, without a response to an email. It has been one of the most frustrating things I have ever had to deal with. Persistence is key in the PR world and I am learning now to not feel awkward by sending a second, or even third email or phone call. As long as you are polite, it is okay to bother someone until they respond.

4. Clean up your social media presence

This seems like such an obvious thing to do, but it is still worth mentioning. With social media being at the forefront of the communications industry, your personal sites will without a doubt be looked at by your interviewer/employer. This article could not have said it any better: If a company if seriously interested in hiring you, it is going to Google you. Make sure you are presenting yourself in the best light possible and keeping your social platforms clean!

5. Know thyself

“Remember that you and your brain are a precious commodity.” It’s so easy to get lost in the craziness of your job search and it’s also easy to lose yourself during the process. Don’t settle. Don’t accept a job just because you feel like you’re desperate and are going to have to compromise yourself in the process. You have worked hard to get where you are today, and you deserve to work for a company that values what you bring to the table. I find myself struggling with this. While I was interviewing for jobs and internships the spring of my senior year, I was so concerned about landing my “dream job.” I can only look back at this and laugh. No one (okay, well maybe some people, but it is highly unlikely) lands their dream job right after graduating. With that being said, although it is unlikely that you will be working at your dream company right off the bat, there is no need to settle for a position you are not interested in. Don’t lose sight of what you want out of job.

6. Go for it

At this point in your life, you have nothing to lose from applying for a “reach” position. There is no way to plan what path you will end up taking, so just go with the flow and relax, because good things are going to happen.

How has it been nearly a month since I began my internship at Rountree Communications?! Don’t blink, folks.

Over the last month Lindsay has assigned me an array of different daily tasks. I’ve been able to help with clients Kannon’s Clothing, Bailey’s Fine Jewelry and RelyMD. I have put what I learned in school to the test and have learned new skills along the way.

My time at Rountree has already flown by, but I am amazed at how much I have learned already. Each morning Lindsay emails me a daily agenda and then we go from there. After giving me an overview of each task, I am turned loose to complete them on my own. One of my recurring tasks is to brainstorm and create social media content for clients. I surprise myself with how much I enjoy doing this. It has been fun coming up with catchy captions that stay in line with a client’s brand and voice, while putting my own flare each.

If I had to choose my favorite task thus far, I would say that it was reaching out to local bloggers. I have always enjoyed following bloggers, so it was fun to be able to work on something I enjoy doing outside of the work. I researched countless bloggers in the Raleigh area and compiled a list of fashion, lifestyle and beauty blogs. I then contacted the bloggers on my list to see if they would be interested in partnering with our retail clients. This is still an ongoing project, so I will check back in later with an update.

More than anything, I have learned the day-to-day operations of a PR firm. I have always known that PR professionals wear many hats, and now I am able to experience this on my own. (Lindsay, however, is the real wearer of all hats—she’s amazing!!) I am already so grateful for the short time I have spent at Rountree and cannot thank Lindsay and Rick enough for their patience and encouragement. I look forward to learning more during the rest of my summer here!

-Addison

WILSON, N.C. (July 13, 2017) – The opening of the new Hardee’s^® of Wilson on Hwy. 301 South kicks off here bright and early Monday, July 17th, offering hungry diners the famous Hardee’s Made From Scratch^TM Breakfast Biscuits, a delicious range of Black Angus charbroiled Thickburgers^®, tasty Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders^TM and much more.

The new Hardee’s is located at 2837 Hwy. 301 South and opens promptly at 5 a.m. The restaurant will be open seven days a week and includes drive-thru service.

This Hardee’s location employs about 55 people plus several managers, according to Hardee’s franchise operator Boddie-Noell Enterprises. The company will now operate two Hardee’s locations in Wilson and a total of 138 Hardee’s restaurants across North Carolina.

Seating up to 68 guests, this Hardee’s has a distinctive look with the latest “retro” Hardee’s restaurant design and a digital menu board in the counter area. The restaurant will also feature free wi-fi service.

“We’re really excited to bring this newest Hardee’s location to Wilson and the surrounding communities in Wilson County,” said Mike Boddie, president of Boddie-Noell Enterprises. “As a family-owned company, we look forward to being involved in the community and supporting the growth of the area.”

Operating hours for the Hardee’s are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.

This newest location is the 343rd Hardee’s operated by Boddie-Noell, which has been a Hardee’s franchise operator for 55 years and is the largest Hardee’s franchisee in the United States.

About Boddie-Noell Enterprises
Boddie-Noell is proud to have been a Hardee’s franchise operator for 55 years. Family-owned, Boddie-Noell is the largest Hardee’s franchisee in the United States with 343 restaurant locations in four states. The company is based in Rocky Mount, N.C. For more information, visit www.bneinc.com.