In 2001, Carl's Jr. purchased the Hardee's Restaurant chain for what seemed like a bargain price.But Hardee's had under-performed for so long, it was nearly bankrupt and its prospects were bleak. The restaurant chain had over-expanded from burgers, fries and shakes done right, to offering everything under the sun done wrong.

'Mea Culpa' ads admitted the mistake of over-expansion, talked up a simplified menu and then introduced the Angus Beef Thickburger. In a business dominated by thin patties and even thinner margins, this was revolutionary. Today, just three years later, the stock price has tripled.