Document:

<Page>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.8

                              AMENDED AND RESTATED

                                    AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT is executed as of the 21st day of May, 2004, and made
effective as of February 1, 2004, by and between CARL KARCHER ENTERPRISES, INC.,
a California corporation ("CKE") and PIERRE FOODS, INC., a North Carolina
corporation (the "Company").

     CKE desires to purchase from the Company and the Company desires to sell to
CKE and any distributors, licensees, franchisees or other persons designated
from time to time by CKE in writing (collectively, all such entities other than
CKE shall hereinafter be referred to as "Distributor") the products (the
"Products") described in the "Detailed Product Schedule" (the "DPS"), in
accordance with the terms and conditions hereof.

     In consideration of the mutual promises contained herein the parties hereby
agree as follows:

     1.  PURCHASE AND SALE. CKE shall purchase from the Company and the Company
shall produce the Products in accordance with its proprietary formula (the
"Formula", attached as Exhibit A to the Amended and Restated Formula Development
Agreement of even date) and with CKE's Finished Product Specifications attached
to this Agreement and sell to CKE and Distributor the Products set forth in the
DPS, as amended from time to time, in the amounts set forth in the DPS.

     2.  DISTRIBUTOR AND RELATED PARTIES.

         (a)  This Agreement shall not to be construed in any manner to be
binding upon any Distributor of CKE or upon any affiliate, parent or subsidiary
corporation of CKE or any individual signing on behalf of CKE.

         (b)  It is expressly agreed and acknowledged that the Company has
entered into a certain Amended and Restated Agreement of even date effective
December 1, 2002 with HARDEE'S Food Systems, Inc. ("HARDEE'S"), which Agreement,
and any amendments and attachments thereto (the "HARDEE'S Agreement), grant to
HARDEE'S the right to purchase products similar to the Products in accordance
with the terms and conditions therein. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, CKE acknowledges that the rights, privileges, and options of HARDEE'S
under the HARDEE'S Agreement, and the terms thereof, shall not be deemed a
violation of this Agreement, the Amended and Restated Formula Development
Agreement, or any agreements delivered therewith.

         (c)  The parties hereto acknowledge that CKE designation of a
Distributor shall not constitute a representation by CKE regarding such
Distributor's ability to pay, and that the Company shall look solely to the
entity submitting a purchase order hereunder for payment. The Company reserves
the right to decline to provide goods and/or services to any Distributor it
reasonably determines is not credit worthy.

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

     3.  VOLUME COMMITMENT.

         (a)  During each Contract Year (as defined below), CKE and/or
Distributor and HARDEE'S and/or HARDEE'S Distributor (as defined in the HARDEE'S
AGREEMENT) will together purchase in the aggregate from the Company and the
Company shall sell CKE and HARDEE'S, and/or their respective Distributors, ***
of the annual aggregate pound usage of the Products (as defined in this
Agreement and in the HARDEE'S Agreement) by CKE, HARDEE'S, and their respective
Distributors up to an aggregate total of *** pounds of total Product per
Contract Year (the "Volume Requirement"). Provided, if Company acquires (by
buying or building) an additional plant at a location satisfactory to CKE which
provides additional production capacity which is capable, in the reasonable
determination of HARDEE'S and CKE, of supplying all of their aggregate pound
usage of the Products, then the foregoing limitation of *** pounds shall be
disregarded. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, the Volume Requirement
shall be pro-rated for any Contract Year consisting of less than 12 months (i.e.
if the final Contract Year consists of 7 months, then the Volume Requirement for
that Contract Year shall be 7/12ths of the original Volume Requirement).

     It is expressly understood that non-compliance with the Volume Requirement
will be deemed a material breach of this Agreement even if the Purchase
Threshold is met under the Formula Development Agreement executed herewith.

         (b)  The Volume Requirement of the Products from the Company will be
reasonably allocated over the 12 month period of each Contract Year (or over the
actual number of calendar months in a Contract Year, if less than 12), to the
extent demand on CKE Product permits such allocation.

         (c)  At all times during the term of this Agreement and at no
additional cost to CKE, the Company will maintain a safety stock volume of up to
six (6) weeks of Product based on trailing six month period average for system
wide availability in the Company's Ohio storage facilities. CKE reserves the
right to arrange all freight carriers and to pick up Product at Company's
manufacturing facility and cold storage warehouses. Addresses for the storage
facilities are as follows:

CSI Brea                   Pierre Foods, Inc.          Cincinnati Freezer
2750 Orbitor Avenue        9990 Princeton Road         2881 E. Sharon Road
Brea, California           Cincinnati, Ohio 45246      Cincinnati, Ohio 45241
Attn: Maritza Jimenez      Attn: Bill Kolb             Attn: Don Lucas
714-993-3533               800-543-1604                513-771-3573

         (d)  The Company acknowledges that the annual anticipated purchase
volumes set forth in the DPS are estimates only, and are subject to adjustment
based on actual historical data, promotional forecasts and other information
furnished to the Company from time to time. CKE will provide the Company with a
quarterly forecast at least thirty (30) days prior to the start of each calendar
quarter. Said forecast is an estimate only.

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

                                        2
<Page>

         (e)  In the event the Company cannot deliver the Products in the
amounts and on the dates required by CKE, CKE may obtain the Products from
alternate suppliers and test alternate products. Such alternative sources will
count towards the Volume Requirement as if purchased from the Company.

         (f)  The Company acknowledges and agrees that it is a non-exclusive
supplier of the Products to CKE and Distributor.

     4.  PRICING AND PAYMENT.

         (a)  Prices paid by CKE will be fixed for all pick-ups and deliveries
on a weekly basis, or, upon election by CKE, a monthly basis. Prices are
effective at time of shipment date. The fixed costs components of Total Labor
Cost, Total Packaging Cost, Total Overhead Cost, and Profit and Corporate
Overhead Cost in the prices paid by CKE will be fixed as shown on Exhibit I
through April 30, 2004 and thereafter as set forth on Exhibit I-A for all
purchases through the remainder of the Term.

         (b)  FORMULA PRICING. Pricing will be calculated in accordance with
Exhibits I, I-A, and II, which are incorporated herein by this reference. The
reference document for raw material pricing will be given to the Company by CKE
on a weekly basis, pursuant to CKE's agreement with its raw material supplier
designated from time to time by it (currently ***). The raw material pricing
shall be on a delivered basis and the Company agrees to accept the freight cost
set forth in HARDEE'S agreement with such raw material supplier for all raw
materials being delivered by such supplier to the Company. The cost basis for
Domestic Angus 85%, 80%, 50%, 73%, 65% and all Angus chucks shall be determined
pursuant to CKE's Agreement with ***. To the extent CKE approves imported or
other, alternative Angus trim, then the cost basis for the Angus trim or any
applicable Angus trim components shall be provided by CKE and/or by an
authorized agent of CKE. If CKE chooses to use least cost formulation, pricing
will be adjusted for raw materials and any effect on yields.

         (c)  PAYMENT TERMS. Unless specifically provided otherwise all payments
required herein to be made by Distributor to the Company shall be net 7 calendar
days from the date of invoice.

         (d)  VENDOR RETURN. The Company is responsible for the return of
rejected products due to non-compliance to specifications from CKE restaurants.
A handling fee in the amount of 11% of the product cost will be charged to the
Company ($10 minimum, $300 maximum). Any Company approved disposal costs
incurred by CKE will be billed to the Company at cost.

         (e)  FREIGHT RATE. All Domestic freight rates as noted in the DPS are
guaranteed through September 30, 2004 and reviewed thereafter, every six (6)
months based upon a mutually agreed-upon carrier price quotation for the
subsequent six-month period. Agreement must be made within ten (10) days or end
of each six-month period. If Distributor elects to have product(s) delivered to
the requested facility, freight will be handled FOB

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

                                        3
<Page>

Destination and freight will be added to the price of each product. Should
Distributor pick up product(s) at the Company's facility, product(s) will be
purchased FOB Origin as noted on the DPS's.

         (f)  BOOKS AND RECORDS.

              (i)   INVOICE DISCREPANCIES. CKE will monitor the Company's
     invoices and, in the event of continual pricing/invoicing errors, CKE may
     assess an administrative charge on all incorrect invoices following notice.

              (ii)  MAINTENANCE OF BOOKS AND RECORDS. During the Term and for a
     period of at least two (2) years thereafter, the Company shall maintain
     such books and records (collectively, "Records") as are necessary to
     substantiate that all invoices and other charges submitted to CKE for
     payment hereunder were valid and proper. All Records shall be maintained in
     accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
     applied. CKE and/or its representatives shall have the right at any time
     during normal business hours, upon twenty-four (24) hours' notice, to
     examine said Records. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the
     expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

     5.  DELIVERY.

         (a)  The Products purchased hereunder shall be delivered on a timely
basis to the locations designated by CKE or Distributor in the DPS, as amended
from time to time by CKE.

         (b)  In the event the Company cannot fulfill any order within the
delivery dates designated by CKE or Distributor (as applicable), CKE will
invoice the Company for and the Company shall pay CKE for all additional costs,
other than loss of sale costs, associated with the out of stock or late
delivery.

         (c)  The Company is responsible for reasonable on-time delivery of
orders to CKE and Distributor. In case of late delivery by the Company or its
carriers in excess of 10% of all deliveries during the preceding quarter, CKE
will assess a charge of $26/hour for administrative and receiving labor on all
late deliveries.

     6.  INDIVIDUAL ORDER TERMINATION. CKE and/or Distributor may at any time by
written notice terminate any individual order in whole or in part if the Company
(i) fails to comply with any of the applicable terms and conditions of the
order; (ii) fails to perform within the time specified (or if no time is
specified, within a reasonable time); (iii) delivers any item that is not as
specified; or (iv) so fails to make progress as to endanger performance of the
order in accordance with its terms. If individual orders are terminated in whole
or in part because of the Company's failure to deliver acceptable products in
accordance with the requirements and terms hereof, a mutually agreed upon
arrangement would be made by both parties to ensure continued supply of order at
no additional cost to CKE or Distributor, as applicable.

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

                                        4
<Page>

     7.  QUALITY CONTROL/MICRO TESTING. The Company will establish and
maintain a product safety plan ("Safety Program") and a products quality program
("Quality Control Program"). Copies of the Quality Control Program and Safety
Program will be submitted to CKE's Quality Assurance Department for approval.
The Safety Program will include, without limitation, safety controls,
monitoring, corrective action and verification steps to insure that potential
risks are controlled. The Quality Control Program will include the necessary
controls to assure that all products shipped to CKE's Distribution Center or
directly to restaurants, meet the current finished product specifications,
including a hold for release microbiological program to insure that all
microbiological test results meet standards prior to its release. CKE agrees to
accept the Company's pathogen results for product from the Company plant's test
and hold program. Auditing forms, lab reports and other verification data will
be maintained by the Company and made available to CKE upon request. CKE may
monitor the Company's production and/or inspect the Company's facilities at any
reasonable time during the Company's operating hours. The Company will submit a
manifest of code dates with the corresponding number of cases on all products
shipped to CKE. The Company shall reimburse CKE for all reasonable costs
associated with the Company's failure to deliver acceptable product in
accordance with the product specifications. In such event, or pursuant to the
Company's request to transfer production to an unapproved plant, the Company
shall reimburse CKE for all reasonable costs associated with approving an
alternate or secondary plant or location, unless approval of the alternate or
secondary plant or location is initiated solely by CKE for the sole purpose of
providing a lesser cost. Any deviation from CKE's approved specifications,
including formulation and packaging changes, will require PRIOR approval from
CKE's quality assurance department. On a monthly basis the Company shall
complete and submit to the CKE's quality assurance department specification
summary reports. The Company shall submit biannually to CKE's quality assurance
department an independent food safety and GMP systems audit from a CKE's
approved third party auditor. Based on CKE's product compliance testing program,
the Company's products will be sampled from approved distribution centers or
from individual restaurants by an independent auditor or by CKE's personnel for
required analysis at supplier's expense. Provided, the cost assessed to the
Company with respect to the two foregoing sentences shall not exceed $30,000 in
the aggregate for such expenses arising out of this Section 7 and Section 7 of
the HARDEE'S Agreement per calendar year. When and if quality problems occur,
the Company shall implement a temperature tracking and recording program for
temperature sensitive products that are delivered with a radius greater than two
(2) hours or one hundred (100) miles from the nearest distribution center.

     8.  COMPLETE AGREEMENT.

         (a)  The following attachments (the "Attachments") are incorporated
herein by this reference and are part of this Agreement and a breach of any
terms thereunder shall constitute a breach hereunder: (i) CKE Items #9598
Formula Pricing Exhibits I and I-A, (ii) *** Angus Formula Pricing and Freight
Costs for Pierre Foods Exhibit II, (iii) Detailed Product Schedule (DPS), (iv)
CKE Quality Assurance Department Finished Product Specification, QA approved
label, Mold Plate Data Sheet, Visual Standards, and CKE's Label/Case Printing
Requirements, (v) CKE Microbiological Testing Program, (vi) Amended and Restated
Formula Development Agreement, and (vii) Amended and Restated Confidentiality
Agreement. By

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

                                        5
<Page>

execution of this Agreement, the Company and CKE acknowledge receipt and
acceptance of all Attachments.

         (b)  This Agreement together with all Attachments hereto, shall
constitute the complete agreement between CKE and the Company and shall
supersede all prior or contemporaneous proposals, representations,
understandings, and other communications between the parties concerning the
matters addressed in this Agreement and the Attachments, whether oral or
written, unless specifically incorporated herein by reference.

         (c)  The issuance of information, advice, approvals, or instructions by
a party's technical personnel or other representatives shall be deemed
expressions of personal opinions only and shall be of no force or effect and
shall not affect such party's rights and obligations hereunder, unless the same
is in writing and signed by an authorized officer of such party and delivered to
the other party.

     9.  TERM AND RENEWAL.

         (a)  The term of this Agreement shall commence as of February 1, 2004
and unless sooner terminated in accordance with the provisions hereof, shall
expire at 12:00 midnight Eastern time on July 31, 2007 (the "Term").

         (b)  CKE and the Company agree that prior to six (6) months before
expiration of the Term, the parties shall negotiate in good faith for a one (1)
year renewal (the "Renewal Term") of this Agreement; provided, in the event the
parties are unable to mutually agree upon the terms and conditions for the
Renewal Term at least one hundred and fifty (150) calendar days prior to the
expiration of this Agreement, this Agreement shall expire as of the original
Term, unless terminated earlier. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term
"Term" shall be deemed to include any Renewal Term.

         (c)  Every consecutive twelve (12) calendar month period commencing on
February 1 during the Term shall be referred to as a "Contract Year" with the
final period beginning on February 1 and ending on July 31 (whether or not the
Renewal Term is included pursuant to Section 9(b)) also being considered a
Contract Year except that the Volume Requirement shall be adjusted pursuant to
Section 3(a) above.

     10. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.

         (a)  Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time, effective
upon the other party's receipt of termination notice, without prejudice to any
other legal rights to which the terminating party may be entitled, upon the
occurrence of any one of the following:

              (i)   Upon ten (10) days written notice to the breaching party
     describing with detailed specificity a material breach of this Agreement
     that is not cured to the non-breaching party's satisfaction within such ten
     (10) days period.

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

                                        6
<Page>

              (ii)  upon a default by a party in the payment of any monetary
     obligation payable to the other hereunder and such default continues for
     ten (10) days after the payee party gives the payor party written notice of
     such non-payment.

              (iii) If any of the representations or warranties made by the
     other party in this Agreement or any of the Attachments shall prove to be
     untrue or inaccurate in any material respect.

              (iv)  The other party (i) ceases to conduct its operations in the
     normal course of business; (ii) is unable to meet its obligations as they
     mature; (iii) makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or has
     proceedings in bankruptcy or insolvency brought against it; or (iv) applies
     for or suffers the appointment of a receiver.

              (v)   A party provides a sixty (60) days written notice to the
     other party, in the event CKE makes significant specification changes to,
     or deletes from the menu of its CKE restaurants all of the items listed in
     the DPS. In the event of significant specification changes, CKE will allow
     the Company a reasonable opportunity to become an approved supplier of the
     newly defined item(s) upon mutually agreeable terms. Significant
     specification changes do not include size, shape, weight (provided no raw
     cost increase without mutual pricing adjustment), minor formulation or
     minor production procedure changes; provided, such change does not require
     the Company to incur material re-tooling or line/machine set up costs.

         (b)  If, within a reasonable time after having received a written
notice describing with specificity the failure to comply with product
specifications, the Company continues to fail to comply with product
specifications, CKE may terminate this Agreement by providing the Company thirty
(30) days written notice. Following such notice of termination, CKE may return
goods in inventory which fail to comply with product specifications for full
reimbursement, due and payable by the Company within seven (7) days of the date
of such return.

         (c)  Termination of this Agreement for any reason provided herein shall
not relieve either party from its obligation to perform up to the effective date
of termination or to perform such obligations that may survive termination.

         (d)  Promptly following the date of termination, the Company will
return to CKE and CKE will purchase at cost any unused packaging and labeling
supplies and raw materials on hand, and all finished products on hand complying
with the specification; provided, the Company shall not be required to return
and CKE shall not be responsible for purchasing more than sixty (60) days worth
of raw materials (including packaging) and finished products, as determined by
the forecast submitted by CKE, unless specifically directed by CKE in writing to
increase inventory levels. The purchased raw materials and unused packaging and
labeling supplies shall be at the Company's cost and the purchased finished
products shall be at the price set forth herein, all with payment within seven
(7) days after return.

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

                                        7
<Page>

     11. MODIFICATION. This Agreement may be modified only by a written
agreement signed by both parties. This Agreement amends, restates and supercedes
that certain Agreement pertaining to the subject matter hereof executed by the
parties on February 1, 2004.

     12. INDEMNIFICATION. Company shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless CKE,
and its parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, and all of their respective officers,
directors, employees, agents, representatives and stockholders, and any designee
or customer of CKE (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties") from and against
any and all losses, claims, actions, damages, expenses or liabilities,
including, without limitation defense costs and attorneys' fees, resulting from,
arising out of or connected with any or all claims arising from (i) the use of
the products supplied by Company and/or services provided hereunder, including,
but not limited to, any claim for death or personal injury or damage or loss of
property which shall have been caused or alleged to have been caused, in whole
or in part, by any action or failure to act on the part of Company, its
shareholder, directors, officers, employees, contractors or agents, any defect
in the materials or workmanship used to manufacture the products, or any claim
under a theory of strict liability, and (ii) the breach by Company of any
representation, warranty, covenant or obligation of Company hereunder. In the
event any third party asserts any claim with respect to any matters as to which
any guarantee or indemnity in this Agreement (or given pursuant to this
Agreement) relate, the Indemnified Party or Parties shall give prompt notice
written to Company, and Company shall have the right at its election to take
over the defense or settlement of the third party claim at its own expense by
giving prompt notice to the Indemnified Party(ies). If Company does not give
such notice and does not proceed diligently so to defend the third party claim
within 30 days after receipt of the notice of the third party claim, Company
shall be bound by any defense or settlement that the Indemnified Party(ies) may
make to those claims and shall reimburse the Indemnified Party(ies) for its
expenses related to the defense or settlement of the third party claim. Nothing
in this Agreement shall be construed to hold Company liable for any losses,
claims, damages, expenses or liabilities including, without limitation, defense
costs and attorneys' fees, to the extent such loss, claim, damage, expense or
liability results from or arises out of CKE's or Distributor's misconduct or
negligence.

     13. INSURANCE. The Company shall furnish to CKE a current certificate of
insurance, which shall include a thirty (30) day written notice of cancellation
to CKE evidencing the Company has automobile, comprehensive general liability,
products liability and workers' compensation insurance or an equivalent. With
the exception of workers' compensation, all policies shall include CKE, its
parent, affiliates, subsidiaries and franchisees as additional insureds and
shall include a contractual liability endorsement to cover the Company's
indemnification obligations hereunder. Such policies shall state that coverage
as it pertains to CKE shall be primary regardless of any other coverage which
may be available to CKE and shall be an occurrence rather than a claims made
basis.

         (a)  COMPREHENSIVE AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY, INCLUDING OWNED AND NON-OWNED
     AUTOS; BODILY INJURY, AND PROPERTY DAMAGE: $3,000,000 per occurrence
     (aggregate primary and umbrella coverage).

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

                                        8
<Page>

         (b)  COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL LIABILITY, WITH BROAD FORM PROPERTY DAMAGE,
     COMPLETED OPERATIONS, PERSONAL INJURY, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS AND
     CONTRACTUAL LIABILITY: $3,000,000 per occurrence (aggregate primary and
     umbrella coverage).

         (c)  WORKERS' COMPENSATION: AT STATUTORY LIMITS WITH EMPLOYERS'
     LIABILITY: $1,000,000 per occurrence.

         (d)  The Company must provide to CKE the workers' compensation policy
     number prior to commencing any work for CKE. It is the responsibility of
     the Company to notify CKE of any changes and/or renewals to the Workers'
     Compensation policy number. The Company shall require all subcontractors to
     maintain the required insurance. No work hereunder shall commence until
     above insurance is obtained, a certificate is provided to CKE and CKE has
     approved the certificate in writing.

         (e)  PRODUCTS LIABILITY INSURANCE: $3,000,000 per occurrence (aggregate
     primary and umbrella coverage).

     14. ASSIGNMENT. No assignment or subcontract hereof shall be made by either
party without the prior written consent of the other party, and no delegation of
any obligation or of the performance of any obligation by the Company shall be
made without the prior written consent of CKE. Any attempted assignment or
delegation shall be void and ineffective for all purposes unless made in
conformity with this paragraph. The terms shall inure to the benefit of, and be
binding on, the successors and assigns of the parties.

     15. CAPTIONS. Captions and titles of paragraphs contained herein are
for convenience only, and shall not be construed to limit, expand or otherwise
change the meaning of any provision hereof.

     16. FORCE MAJEURE. Either party is excused from performance hereunder if
such non-performance results from any acts of God, war, riots, acts of
governmental authorities, or any other cause outside the reasonable control of
the non-performing party. Both parties shall use their best efforts to terminate
or cause the expiration of any Force Majeure as soon as practical following its
occurrence. If the Company cannot deliver the Products in the amounts and on the
dates required by CKE during such Force Majeure event, then CKE may obtain the
Products from the alternate vendors ("FDA Vendors") set forth in Section 7 of
the Formula Development Agreement between the parties dated as of even date
herewith. If such FDA Vendors are unable to deliver the Products in the amounts
and on the dates required by CKE during such Force Majeure event, then CKE may
obtain Products from and Company shall license and work with alternate suppliers
and test alternate products. CKE's purchases from the FDA Vendors and such
alternate sources during the Force Majeure event will count towards the Volume
Requirement as if purchased from the Company.

     17. GOVERNING LAW. This contract and all Purchase Orders that may be issued
hereunder shall be construed in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of
the State of California, including the Uniform Commercial Code, without
reference to laws or principles regarding choice of laws. The parties consent to
the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

                                        9
<Page>

federal courts of the State of California for the adjudication of matters
arising out of this Agreement; and neither party will assert FORUM NON
CONVENIENS with respect to such venue. This Agreement, and all Exhibits, are
only valid if and when duly signed by authorized representatives of both
parties. No third party is authorized to amend or waive, on behalf of CKE, any
provision of this Agreement.

     18. LAWS AND REGULATIONS. The Company shall comply with all applicable
laws, ordinances, rules and regulations including federal, state and local
authorities and departments relating to or affecting the Company and/or the
manufacture, sale or use of the goods or services to be rendered hereunder,
including without limitation Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as amended from
time to time, and shall secure and obtain any and all permits, licenses and
consents as may be necessary in connection therewith.

     19. PATENT, TRADEMARK AND COPYRIGHT PROTECTION. The Company shall defend
and indemnify CKE, Distributor and their parents, affiliates and subsidiaries,
and all of their directors, officers and employees and hold them harmless with
respect to all patent, trademark and copyright infringement liability or
expenses arising out of the use or sale of the goods covered hereunder, or any
part(s) thereof, and after notice appear and defend at its own expense any such
suits in law or equity, except such trademarks or copyrights as may be furnished
to the Company by CKE for use in connection with the packaging of products
pursuant to this Agreement. If CKE is enjoined from use of the goods by reason
of infringement of any patent, trademark or copyright furnished by the Company,
the Company shall, at CKE's option, either procure for CKE the right to continue
using the goods, replace said goods with non-infringing goods or parts thereof,
modify the goods so as to be non-infringing or, if CKE elects, repurchase the
goods at the contract price or terminate the order without further liability to
the Company.

     20. SEVERABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION. Any provision used herein which is held
invalid or unenforceable by any authority of competent jurisdiction shall be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
invalidation or rendering unenforceable the remaining provisions hereof;
provided, however, that if such modification would cause this Agreement to fail
in its essential purpose or purposes, it shall be deemed terminated by mutual
agreement of the parties. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this
provision, payment shall be made only to the extent of a party's performance to
and including the date of termination, and any payments which shall have been
made and which are applicable to future time periods shall be refunded pro rata
to the effective date of termination. The language used herein shall be deemed
to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent,
and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against either party.

     21. SUBSTITUTIONS. No substitution of, nor alteration in any goods,
component parts thereof, tooling, processes, or manufacturing sites may be made
without the prior written, or FAX, consent from CKE.

     22. SURVIVAL. All warranties, representations, covenants and obligations of
the parties hereunder shall survive the termination or expiration of this
Agreement.

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

                                       10
<Page>

     23. USE OF LOGOS AND MARKS. The Company shall not use, in any manner
whatsoever, any of the logos, trademarks, or service marks owned by CKE or
associated with CKE'S restaurant system without the prior written consent of
CKE. The Company expressly acknowledges CKE's exclusive right, title and
interest in and to such logos and marks, and agrees not to represent in any
manner that the Company has any ownership in CKE's logos or marks.

     24. WARRANTY AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE. The Company warrants that all goods
to be delivered hereunder will be of merchantable quality, free from any latent
or patent defects, will strictly conform to all of CKE's specifications or
samples in all material respects and will be fit and safe for their intended
use. The Company also warrants that the Company shall be in compliance with all
applicable laws, regulations, rules and ordinances, and warrants that the goods
shall comply with and shall not be misbranded or adulterated under any and all
applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, ordinances and regulations
(collectively "Laws"), including specifically those Laws governing health and
food safety and the production, packaging, storage, distribution and sale of the
goods. The Company also warrants that is has the full and legal authority to
enter into and fully perform this Agreement in accordance with its terms and
that the execution and delivery of this Agreement has been duly authorized by
the Company.

     25. EXPENSES. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement,
each party shall be responsible for any expenses incurred by such party in
carrying out its obligations herein.

     26. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The parties shall be and act as independent
contractors, and under no circumstances shall this Agreement be construed as one
of agency, partnership, joint venture or employment between the parties. Each
party acknowledges and agrees that it neither has or will give the appearance or
impression of having any legal authority to bind or commit the other party in
any way.

     27. FAILURE TO OBJECT. The failure of either party to object to or to take
affirmative action with respect to any conduct of the other party which is in
violation of the terms hereof shall not be construed as a waiver thereof, nor of
any future breach or subsequent wrongful conduct.

     28. NOTICES. All notices, requests and approvals under this Agreement shall
be in writing and shall be deemed to have been properly given if and when
personally delivered or sent certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt
requested, or twenty-four (24) hours after being sent by standard form of
telecommunications, or thirty-six (36) hours after being sent by Federal Express
or other overnight courier service providing delivery confirmation, to the
address of the party set forth below or at such other address as any of the
parties hereto from time to time may have designated by written notice to the
other party:

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

                                       11
<Page>

To the Company:                              To CKE:

Pierre Foods, Inc.                           Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc.
9990 Princeton Road                          6307 Carpinteria Ave., Suite A
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246                       Carpinteria, California 93013
Attention: Robert C. Naylor                  Attention: John Dunion

with a copy to:                              with a copy to:

T. Stewart Gibson, PLLC                      Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc.
The Power Plant, Suite 302-B                 6307 Carpinteria Ave., Suite A
1701 Sunset Avenue                           Carpinteria, California 93013
Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804            Attention: Legal Counsel

     29. MISCELLANEOUS.

         (a)  Each of the individuals executing this Agreement certifies that he
or she is duly authorized to do so.

         (b)  The rights and remedies set forth herein are intended to be
cumulative, and the exercise of any one right or remedy by either party shall
not preclude or waive its exercise of any other rights or remedies hereunder or
pursuant to law or equity.

         (c)  Should any party commence legal action to interpret or enforce the
terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party in such action shall be entitled
to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, including those incurred at the
trial and appellate levels and in any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency or
other similar proceedings.

     This Agreement is not to be legally binding until the Company has sent two
(2) signed original copies to CKE and CKE has signed and returned its acceptance
to the Company.

PIERRE FOODS, INC.                   CARL KARCHER ENTERPRISES, INC.

By: /s/ Robert C. Naylor             By: /s/ John Dunion
   --------------------------------     -----------------------------
    Robert C. Naylor                     John Dunion
    Senior Vice President - Sales        Executive Vice President

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

                                       12

<Page>

                                    EXHIBIT I
                                    ---------

                             FIXED COSTS COMPONENTS
                             THROUGH APRIL 30, 2004

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

                                    EXHIBIT I
                                                                    CONFIDENTIAL
                 ANGUS BURGERS (RESOURCES 9560Z ***) PRICING
                                  PIERRE FOODS

Pricing Effective Week of 02/08/04 (Negotiated Price Using *** Raw Material
Cost)

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                  Resource 9560Z
                                                                    Per Pound
                                                                      Price
<S>                                          <C>                        <C>
Fresh Domestic Angus ***                                                $
Fresh Domestic Angus ***                                                $
Fresh Angus ***                                                         $
Curavis 350 Phosphate                                                   $    ***
                                                                        $
                                                                        $
  ***                                                                   $
                                                                        $

FORMULA
Fresh Domestic Angus ***                          %                     $
Fresh Domestic Angus ***                          %                     $
Fresh Angus ***                                   %                     $
Curavis 350 Phosphate                        ***  %                     $    ***     CONFIDENTIAL: This document contains trade
                                                  %                     $            secrets proprietary to Pierre Foods, Inc.
                                                  %                     $            Unauthorized reproduction or disclosure is
  ***                                             %                     $            strictly prohibited and may result in serious
                                                                        $            legal consequences. Receipt or possession of
                                                                  --------------     this document does not grant the right to
                                                                                     reproduce the document, to disclose its
TOTAL FORMULA COST                                                      $    ***     contents, or to use such contents in any way.

YIELD

   ***                                                                          %
                                                                        ***     %
                                                                                %
                                                                  --------------
TOTAL YIELD LOSS                                                        ***     %*

Cook Yield (Div. By)                                                            %
                                                                        $

                                                                        $
     ***                                                                     ***
                                                                        $

                                                                        $
                                                                        $    ***
                                                                        $
                                                                        $

PROFIT AND CORPORATE OVERHEAD COST                                      $

   ***
***                                                                     $    ***
TOTAL PRODUCT COST                                                      $

                                                                  --------------
TOTAL *** COST/CASE:                                                    $    ***
                                                                  --------------
</Table>

* Any changes to formulation will affect the formula cost. Resources 9560Z 25.78
  lbs / case

** This product is discontinued and replaced by 9598. This pricing is effective
   until 05/01/04. See Exhibit 1-A

5/3/2004 3:12 PM

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

                                   EXHIBIT I-A

                             FIXED COSTS COMPONENTS
                              AFTER APRIL 30, 2004

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

                                   EXHIBIT I-A
                                                                    CONFIDENTIAL
                  ANGUS BURGERS (RESOURCE 9598 ***) PRICING
                                  PIERRE FOODS

Pricing Effective Week of 05/01/04 (Negotiated Price Using *** Raw Material
Cost)

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                  Resource 9598
                                                                    Per Pound
***                                                                   Price
<S>                                           <C>                       <C>
Fresh Domestic Angus ***                                                $
Fresh Domestic Angus ***                                                $
Fresh Angus ***                                                         $
Curavis 350 Phosphate                                                   $    ***
                                                                        $
                                                                        $
     ***                                                                $
                                                                        $

FORMULA
Fresh Domestic Angus ***                          %                     $
Fresh Domestic Angus ***                          %                     $
Fresh Angus ***                                   %                     $
Curavis 350 Phosphate                         *** %                     $    ***
                                                  %                     $
                                                  %                     $
    ***                                           %                     $
                                                                        $
                                                                    ------------

TOTAL FORMULA COST                                                      $    ***

YIELD
                                                                                %
     ***                                                                ***     %
                                                                                %
                                                                    ------------
TOTAL YIELD LOSS                                                        ***     %*

Cook Yield (Div. By)

                                                                        $

                                                                        $    ***

    ***                                                                 $
                                                                                    CONFIDENTIAL: This document contains trade
                                                                        $           secrets proprietary to Pierre Foods, Inc.
                                                                        $           Unauthorized reproduction or disclosure is
                                                                        $           strictly prohibited and may result in serious
                                                                        $    ***    legal consequences. Receipt or possession of
                                                                                    this document does not grant the right to
PROFIT AND CORPORATE OVERHEAD COST                                      $           reproduce the document, to disclose its
                                                                                    contents, or to use such contents in any way.
     ***                                                                $    ***

TOTAL PRODUCT COST                                                      $

TOTAL *** COST/CASE:                                                    $    ***
</Table>

* Any changes to formulation will affect the formula cost. Resources 9598 26.48
  lbs / case Effective 5/1/04

** This product replaces 9560Z.

   4/29/2004 4:01PM

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

                                   EXHIBIT II

                              ANGUS FORMULA PRICING
                       AND FREIGHT COSTS FOR PIERRE FOODS

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

January 22, 2004

                                   EXHIBIT II

***                   Angus Formula for Pierre Foods

<Table>
<S>                                            <C>                     <C>
All Lean Percentages

    ***

Fresh Domestic ***
Fresh Domestic ***
Fresh Domestic ***
Fresh Domestic ***                                                           ***
Fresh Domestic ***
Fresh Domestic ***

Select ***                                                            ***

Delivered Angus prices week of                                         1/25/2004

                                               ***
</Table>

<Table>
<S>                                                             <C>
Cincinnati, OH                                                  Delivered Prices

    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***                                        ***
    ***

    ***
</Table>

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

                      CKE/FFM/MDS NEW ITEM REQUEST FORM/DPS
                      CKE/FFM/MBM New Item Request Form/DPS

<Table>
<S>                                                    <C>                           <C>
INSTRUCTIONS: PLEASE PROVIDE ALL REQUESTED INFORMATION                                   PLEASE MARK THE APPLICABLE BOX

Vendor Name:           Pierre Foods, Inc.              PAYMENT TERMS:  Net *** days  PRICE BASED ON: order ***ship delivery
Address:               9990 Princeton Road             ORDER LEAD TIME:    *** days  VENDOR PROD. DESC.: *** Angus Grd Bf Stk
                       Cincinnati, Ohio 45246          CKE'S UNIT OF MEASURE: case   VENDOR ITEM #:       9598
Vendor# (CKE TO PROVIDE - PRMS/PS):   22293 / 166042   PRICING START DATE:  2/1/2004 GL ACCOUNT CODE:
QA Vendor Code # (CKE TO PROVIDE):    4200A            PRICING END DATE:  7/31/2007  CKE WILL COMPLETE GL ACCT CODE
</Table>

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                                                         STORAGE CODE
 FFM    MDS    CKE                            MASTER   DETAIL     NET   GROSS                 SHELF   -------------------
ITEM # ITEM # ITEM #    ITEM DESCRIPTION       PACK     PACK    WEIGHT  WEIGHT  CUBE  PALLET   LIFE    DRY  REFRIG  FRZN
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>  <C>       <C>   <C>                       <C>   <C>        <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>   <C>      <C>  <C>       <C>
               01012 ***                       ***   *** oz     26.5#   27.9#   1.16    35    *** days                 x
                     Angus Ground Beef Steak
                                             UNIT DIMENSION (LxWxH):  19.84 x 13.20 x 7.64
</Table>

PLEASE MARK THE APPLICABLE BOX

<Table>
<Caption>
UNIT LOADING                        CASES PER PALLET
------------                        ----------------
<S>                                 <C>
/X/ Pallet (40" x 48" GMA)          Tie:           7
/ / Slipsheet (47" x 41")           High:          5
/ / Floor                           Total:        35
/ / Other
/ / CHEP (Check with Logistics)

PLEASE MARK THE APPLICABLE BOX
/X/ Pallet Exchange
/ / Other
</Table>

<Table>
<Caption>
                   PRICING/USAGE INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------------------------
                                FFM      MDS      CKE      CKE
                                ***      ***      ***      ***
                             OK 73401 CO 80238 CA 92803 CA 95337
----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
EST. ANN. CS. VOL.              ***      ***      ***      ***
      3 WEEK USAGE              ***      ***      ***      ***
        MIN. ORDER                         TRUCKLOAD
               FOB                       *VARIES WEEKLY
               FRT             $***     $***     $***     $***
               DEL                       *VARIES WEEKLY
          DEL/UNIT
</Table>

Price may be adjusted for additional costs, if any, for Pierre's compliance with
temperature tracking program.

PLEASE MARK THE APPLICABLE BOX FOR BOTH AREAS

<Table>
<Caption>
SHIPPING METHOD                       FREIGHT BILLING METHOD
---------------                       ----------------------
<S>                                   <C>
/X/ Vdr Trck/Cmmn. Crrier             / /  Prepaid
/ / CKE                               /X/  Prepaid & Add
/ / FFM
/ / MDS
/ / Other:
</Table>

LTL FREIGHT RATES

<Table>
<Caption>
QTY     5 PLIT   10 PLIT   20 PLIT   41 PLIT
---     ------   -------   -------   -------
<S>     <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
**                     ***
</Table>

COMMENTS: This item will be formula-based pricing. Based upon truckload shipment
quantities and distribution center. Truckload - 41 pallets (1,435 cases). Total
Weight =37,999 net lbs.

          LTL Shipments are subject to varying freight rates as shown. *FRT as
          shown per sale is valid only thru 12/30/04. (See contract).

<Table>
<S>                                  <C>                                <C>                   <C>                     <C>
    VENDOR  INFORMATION              ***                                ***                   ***                     ***
ORDER PLACEMENT                      Pierre Foods, Inc.
     Contact Name:                   ***
          Address:                   9990 Princeton Road                Same                  Same                    Same
                                     Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
            Phone:                   800-543-1604
              Fax:                   513-874-4037
SHIPPING LOCATION
     Contact Name:                   ***
          Address:                   9990 Princeton Road
                                     Cincinnati, Ohio 45246             Same                  Same                    Same
            Phone:                   800-543-1604
              Fax:                   513-874-4037

<Caption>
<S>                                                                     <C>                                  <C>
Date:                                                                   Purchasing Agent:                    PA Code:
Reason For Issue:                                                       Inventory Administrator:             IA Code:

</Table>
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

     CONFIDENTIAL:
     This document contains certain trade secrets proprietary to CKE
     Restaurants, Inc., Unauthorized reproduction or disclosure is strictly
     prohibited and may result in serious legal consequences. Receipt or
     possession of this document does not grant the right to reproduce document,
     to disclose its contents or to use such contents in any way.

                          QUALITY ASSURANCE DEPARTMENT

                         FINISHED PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

[CARL'S JR.LOGO]

               PRODUCT: Angus Beefsteak ***

               PIERRE: SPECIFICATION REFERENCE #: 9598

               CKE RESTAURANTS SPECIFICATION REFERENCE #: 01012, MBM 38981, SYS
               9873308

         SUPERSEDES: None  Page 1 of 10  EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/27/04  SPEC.BOOK: A

SUPPLEMENT:
     Formula
     Mold Plate data Sheet
     Label/Case Printing Requirements
     Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement
     Visual Standards for Char Specs, Minimum Fat Surface Coverage, Crack and/or
     Holes.
     USDA schedule ***
     CKE Restaurants, Inc. E.coli 0157:H7/Micro Sampling Program
     USDA Meat Re-inspection Guidelines (USDA Chart 18.1)
     Pierre's Beef Angus Boneless, Boneless Combo/Raw Material Specification
     Required By CKE Restaurants

FUNCTION/USE:  A fully cooked chopped beef steak/burger patty made from Angus
               Beef to be used in Carl's Jr. Restaurants pursuant to an Amended
               and Restated Agreement, an Amended and Restated Confidentiality
               Agreement, and an Amended and Restated Formula Development
               Agreement between Carl Karcher Enterprise, Inc. ("CKE") and
               Pierre Foods, Inc. ("VENDOR") all effective February 1,2004
               (collectively the "Agreement"). To the extent of any conflict
               between these specifications and the Agreement, the Agreement
               shall control.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Individually frozen, *** chopped Angus beefsteak
                     (chopped and formed) without grill marks. It is to be
                     thawed under refrigeration to a maximum of *** and
                     heat surface temperature to *** for a minimum of ***.

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:

-  A CONTINUING GUARANTY LETTER MUST BE ON FILE STATING THAT THIS PRODUCT MEETS
   ALL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION AND CONFORMS IN EVERY RESPECT TO THE
   PROVISIONS OF THE FEDERAL FOOD, DRUG AND COSMETIC ACT AND THE GENERAL
   REGULATIONS FOR ITS ENFORCEMENT AND THE FEDERAL FAIR PACKAGING AND LABELING
   ACT, OR WITHIN THE MEANING OF ANY STATE AND FOOD AND DRUG LAW; DURING
   PROCUREMENT, PRODUCTION, STORAGE OR TRANSPORTATION.

-  ALL PRODUCTS SHALL BE PRODUCED IN COMPLIANCE WITH 21CFR110, "CURRENT GOOD
   MANUFACTURING PRACTICE IN MANUFACTURING, PACKING, OR HOLDING HUMAN FOOD".

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
732003                                     filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

-  PESTICIDE RESIDUE:

     IF THIS PRODUCT IS A RAW AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY OR IS PREPARED FROM SUCH A
     COMMODITY, VENDOR'S SPECIAL ATTENTION IS DIRECTED TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT
     PESTICIDE RESIDUES MUST NOT BE IN EXCESS OF THE TOLERANCES, IF ANY, SET
     THEREFORE BY F.D.A. PESTICIDE RESIDUES SHALL BE REMOVED FROM THE RAW
     AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY FROM WHICH THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN PREPARED TO THE
     EXTENT POSSIBLE IN GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE.

-  PRODUCT SHALL MEET OR EXCEED ANY REQUIREMENTS IN ANY APPLICABLE
   REGULATIONS.

-  THIS PRODUCT MUST COMPLY WITH CALIFORNIA'S HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE, SECTION
   25249.5, CALIFORNIA'S SAFE DRINKING WATER AND TOXIC ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 1986,
   COMMONLY KNOWN AS "PROPOSITION 65," OR APPLICABLE STATE REGULATIONS.

RAW MATERIALS:

Ingredients Angus Beef, Salt      ***            Sodium Phosphates, Spices

   ANGUS BEEF: Chemical Lean (CL) must be within +/- 2% fat of purchased and
   stated label claim. Must be from Angus Cattle that complies with the
   following USDA Schedules: *** and Raw Materials Spec, Beef Angus Trimmings,
   boneless Combos/Fresh.

     A)   Frozen Angus Beef: ***:
          1)   Target fat content of *** +/-2%.
          2)   ***.
          3)   Must be from USDA ***.
          4)   At time of receipt, frozen product must be 10 DEG. F or less.
          5)   Receiving: Frozen less than 90 days at time of our receipt.

     B)   *Fresh Angus Beef: ***.
          1)   Target Fat content +/-2%.
          2)   ***.
          3)   At time of receipt, fresh product must be 40 DEG. F or less.
          4)   Receiving: Fresh less than *** days from bone date.

     C)   *Fresh Angus Beef: ***.
          1)   Target Fat Content of +/-2%.
          2)   ***.
          3)   At time of receipt, fresh product must be 40 DEG. F or less.
          4)   Receiving: Fresh less than *** days from bone date.

     * Angus Beef will be combined to target *** fat content in the overall meat
       mix.

     NOTE: Applies to all of the above:

          1)   Trimming must be from an USDA inspected and/or certified
               facility.
          2)   Trimming must be in compliance with all US regulations governing
          residues of pesticides, medications, or growth hormone.
          3)   Trimmings must be free from the following defects (bone, bone
          chips, cartilage, bruises, blood clots, exposed excessive tendons,
          ingesta, and hair).

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].  Confidential information redacted and
732003                                    filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

RAW MATERIAL, CONTINUED

          4)  There shall be no evidence of off condition or foreign materials.
          5)  Microbiological standards must be met.
          6)  All manufacturing plants must have HACCP programs.
          7)  Packaging must provide protection from exposure and no metal
          fasteners are to be used.
          8)  The following ingredients are not allowed for use in Angus Beef
          Patties:
              a) Partially defatted beef tissue.
              b) Added fat such as cod fat, kidney fat, heart fat, pelvic fat,
              head meat, cheek meat and weasand meat.
              c) Trim with less than 15% attached lean.
              d) Meat from Advanced Meat Recovery Systems (AMR).
              e) Meat from Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB).
              f) Meat identified as "Specified Risk Materials" by the USDA.
              g) Mechanically separated Meat.
              h) Meat from downer cattle.
              i) Meat from cattle stunned with an air injection system.

SPICES AND INGREDIENTS

(As specified in the Pierre Foods Formula)

KEY PROCESSING INFORMATION: These are only guidelines, manufacturer needs to
adjust accordingly.

   1) Blend fresh lean/ frozen trim/ fat meat.
   2) Beef is ground, mixed with non-meat additives and chilled (Mix time
   ***mins., + **min. correction if necessary).
   3) Mix is final ground through *** plate.
   4) Meat mix is formed into patties (temperature ***DEG. F +/- *DEG. F).
   5) Adjustments are made to produce patties with raw target weight of *** oz.
   6) Patties are *** and ***
   7) Patties are ***
   Minimum char on the bottom.
   8) Patties run through ***
   9) Patties are individually quick frozen, and packaged. Will meet Pierre
   Foods HACCP/USDA regulations.
   10) Patties are produced using the processes, formulation, and ingredients
   described in the Pierre Formula.

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD:   YES

            REASON: Accordingly to the US FDA Food Code, this product is
            potentially hazardous food because the water activity is 0.95 and
            the pH is above 4.6. Internal temperatures and related bacteria log
            kill will be controlled by the "Certificate of Process (COP)
            Program" and labeled instructions.

ALLERGEN: None

<Table>
<Caption>
FINISHED PRODUCT
                                                                                               TOLER
      QUALITY FACTORS                  TEST METHOD                    TARGET                   ANCES
      ---------------                  -----------                    ------                   -----
<S>                                    <C>                              <C>                  <C>
Raw ground beef only (at plant):       Vendor Certification

          Fat                          Food Scan, CEM AOAC               ***%                  +/-**%
                                       approved (CKE reference:
                                       CKE.41)

          Protein                      Food Scan, CEM AOAC               ***%                  +/-**%
                                       approved (CKE reference:
                                       CKE.41)

          Moisture                     Food Scan, CEM AOAC               ***%                  +/-**%
                                       approved (CKE reference:
                                       CKE.41)

          Net Weight Per Patty         (CKE reference: CKE.RR)           *** oz                Average
</Table>

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
732003                                     filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

<Table>
       <S>                             <C>                               <C>            <C>
       Coarse grind (frozen/fresh)     (CKE reference: CKE.LL)           ***            Plate

       Fine grind (mixer grind)        (CKE reference: CKE.LL)           ***            Plate
</Table>

FINISHED PRODUCT

<Table>
<Caption>
             QUALITY FACTORS       TEST METHOD                               TARGET
             ---------------       -----------                               ------
<S>                                <C>                            <C>                <C>
CONTINUED
 COOKED FROZEN PATTY:

       Fat                         AOAC                                  ***%            +/-*%

       Protein                     AOAC                                  ***%

       Moisture                                                          ***%          **+/-*%

       Salt                        AOAC (CKE reference:                  ***%          **+/-*%
                                   CKE.GG)

       Count/Case                  Pierre's Process Control/QA           ***          **+**/-
                                   (CKE reference: CKE.L)

       Net Weight/patty            Pierre's Process Control/QA      *** oz/patty      ***
                                   (CKE reference: CKE.RR)                            oz

       Dimensions:                 Pierre's Process Control/QA

         * "natural" shape. See
         template

       *Length                     Pierre's Process Control/QA           ***           +/-***
                                   (CKE reference: CKE.LL)

       *Width                      Pierre's Process Control/QA
                                   (CKE reference: CKE.LL)               ***           +/-***

       Thickness                   Pierre's Process Control/QA
                                   (CKE reference: CKE.LL)               ***           +/-***

       Odor/Flavor                 Organoleptic
                                                                                ***
       Color                       Visual

       Texture                     Organoleptic
</Table>

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
732003                                     filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

<Table>
<S>                        <C>                                          <C>
Shape/General Appearance   Visual

                                                                        ***
</Table>

(HEATED ON CHARBROILER)

<Table>
     <S>                     <C>                                       <C>
     Heat Time               Carl's Jr. O.P.M Standards

                                                                       ***

     Internal temperature    CKE Standards                             ***

     Yield                   CKE Standards                             ***

     Color                   Visual                                    ***

     Flavor                  Organoleptic                              ***

     Odor                    Organoleptic                              ***
</Table>

FINISHED PRODUCT

<Table>
<Caption>
     QUALITY FACTORS         TEST METHOD           TARGET
     ---------------         ------------          ------
<S>                          <C>                   <C>
CONTINUED

     Texture                 Organoleptic          ***

     Structure               Visual                ***

     General Appearance      Visual                ***

     Handling: Feed/Removal  CKE Standards         ***
</Table>

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
732003                                     filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

DEFECTS:

<Table>
<Caption>
     QUALITY FACTORS                       TEST METHOD           TARGET
     ---------------                       ------------          ------
     <S>                                   <C>                   <C>
     Char specks                           Visual                Less than **% defects. see picture std.

     Heavy fat cover on top patty          Visual                Less than **% defects. see picture std.

     Cracks/ fissures or holes in burger   Visual                Less than **% defects. see picture std.

     Broken pieces, falls apart upon       Visual                Less than **% per load
     cooking

     Lips                                  Visual                No more than ** from the edge

     Misshapen                             Visual                Less than *% defective. See template
</Table>

   NOTE: TOTAL OF ALL *DEFECTS SHALL NOT EXCEED **%, BASED ON BOX PIECE COUNT.

       * MULTIPLE DEFECTS ON ONE PATTY WILL BE CONSIDERED AS ONE DEFECT.

<Table>
<Caption>
MICROBIOLOGICAL:                  TEST METHOD                  STANDARD                REJECT LEVEL
                                  -----------                  --------                ------------
     <S>                             <C>                        <C>                     <C>
     APC                             AOAC*                      LESS THAN ***/g         GREATER THAN ***/g

     Coliform                        AOAC*                      LESS THAN ***/g         GREATER THAN ***/g

     E. COLI                         AOAC*                      LESS THAN ***/g         GREATER THAN ***/g

     S. AUREUS (coagulase pos.)      AOAC*                      LESS THAN ***/g         GREATER THAN ***/g

     SALMONELLA sp.                  AOAC*                      ***                     *** g

     LISTERIA sp.                    AOAC*                      ***                     *** g

     E. COLI 0157:H7                 USDA-Petrifilm             ***                     *** g
</Table>

*AOAC METHOD OR EQUIVALENT

***

PACKAGING:

<Table>
<Caption>
     QUALITY FACTORS                  TEST METHOD                     TARGET
     ---------------                  -----------                     ------
     <S>                              <C>                             <C>
     Case:

        Gross Weight                  Pierre's Process Control/QA     28.69 lbs.
                                      (CKE reference: CKE.QQ)

        Net Weight                    Pierre's Process Control/QA     Average 26.48 lbs. (based on 75
                                      (CKE reference: CKE.RR)         pc count)

        Dimensions                    Pierre's Purchasing             19.9" x 13.2" x 7.6"
                                      Specification (CKE
                                      reference: CKE.LL)

        Cube                          Pierre's Purchasing             1.16 cubic feet
                                      Specification (CKE
                                      reference: CKE.LL)

        Burst Strength                Visual                          200 lbs.

     Type/Style                       Visual                          Corrugated Cardboard
</Table>

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
732003                                     filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

<Table>
        <S>                           <C>                             <C>
        Closure                       Visual                          No staples, metal ties, nails or
                                                                      other metallic devices allowed.

        Pallet                        Visual                          7 per layer, 5 high.

     Bag/Liner

        Type/Style                    Visual                          Polyethylene. Covers entire
                                                                      product.

        Closure                       Visual                          No staples, metal ties, nails or
                                                                      other metallic devices allowed.
</Table>

FOREIGN MATERIAL:

<Table>
     <S>                                                              <C>
     RODENT HAIR, FILTH, METAL**, WOOD, GLASS, ETC.                   None

     **Metal detection equipment is required.                         Minimum sensitivity of *** mm for
                                                                      ferrous and non-ferrous, and *** mm
                                                                      for stainless steel or equivalent.
</Table>

SHELF LIFE:

<Table>
     <S>                              <C>                             <C>
     Maximum days guaranteed          Visual                          *** days

     Minimum number of days           Visual                          *** days
     remaining at time of
     delivery to Distribution
     Centers.
</Table>

CODE DATE: WILL BE AN OPEN CODE DATE WITH *** VENDOR INITIALS, MONTH, DAY,
           YEAR, BATCH OR LINE NUMBER. SEE CKE CODE DATE FORMAT. PRINTED
           AND VISIBLE ON EXTERIOR SIDE PANEL OF CASE WHERE PALLETIZED.

<Table>
     <S>                              <C>                             <C>
     Use Thru Date                    Visual

     * Bar Code                       Visual                          Code 128 and/or equivalent
</Table>

*  DELIVERIES TO CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. OWNED DISTRIBUTION CENTERS ONLY.

IDENTIFICATION: LABEL FORMAT: GENERIC LABEL, OR CKE LABEL FORMAT - CKE
RESTAURANTS, INC

<Table>
     <S>                              <C>                             <C>
     * Bar Code                       Visual                          UPC - A and/or equivalent
</Table>

STORAGE:   TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS

<Table>
     <S>                              <C>                             <C>
     Freezer                          Visual/Thermometer              LESS THAN 10[DEG]F
</Table>

SHIPPING:  TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS. ALL RAW INGREDIENTS AND FINISHED
           PRODUCT SHALL BE TRANSPORTED IN TRUCKS/TRAILERS, WHICH ARE CLEAN, AND
           IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.

<Table>
     <S>                              <C>                             <C>
     Freezer trucks/containers        Visual/Thermometer              LESS THAN 10[DEG]F
</Table>

NOTE:

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
732003                                     filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

     -    Manifest of protection code dates faxed prior to delivery of product.

     -    Temperature recorders (for trailers) required upon request.

     -    Product will be released to ship based on the vendor's QA results.
          CKE's results will be used to monitor Pierre system and products and
          to ensure compliance with specifications.

     -    CKE PRODUCT REJECTION PROCEDURE:

          -    ***

          -    ***

          -    ***

HANDLING:

          Good Manufacturing Practices

INGREDIENT / LABEL DECLARATION:

     Beef, salt        ***                        sodium phosphates, spices.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                   % Daily Value
          <S>                                  <C>                 <C>
          Serving Size ....................    *** g(1 portion)
          Total Calories ..................    ***
          Calories from Fat ...............    ***
          Total Fat .......................    *** g               *** %
          Saturated Fat ...................    *** g               *** %
          Cholesterol .....................    *** mg             **** %
          Sodium Per Serving ..............    *** mg              *** %
          Total Carbohydrate ..............    *** g               *** %
          Sugars ..........................    *** g
          Dietary Fiber ...................    *** g               ***
          Protein .........................    *** g
          Vitamin A .......................                        *** %
          Vitamin C .......................                        *** %
          Calcium .........................                        *** %
          Iron ............................    *** %
</Table>

*    Percent Daily Values are based on 2,000 Calorie Diet.

FORMULATION: IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PIERRE FORMULA

REFERENCES:

          AOAC, OFFICIAL METHODS OF ANALYSIS, 16th EDITION, 1997
          AOCS, OFFICIAL AND TENTATIVE METHODS OF THE AMERICAN OIL CHEMISTS'
              SOCIETY, THIRD EDITION, 1983
          CARL KARCHER ENTERPRISES QUALITY ASSURANCE TEST METHODS BAM
              (BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYTICAL MANUAL), 8TH EDITION, 1998, REVISION A

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
732003                                     filed separately with the Commission.
<Page>

     USDA FSIS PROCEDURE FOR LISTERIA (Wei Lee), 1987 and E.COLI 0157:H7 (Okrend
     and Rosa)
     FOOD CODE BOOK, FDA, U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES, 1999

PRIOR TO DELIVERY OF THE FIRST SHIPMENT FROM A NEW SUPPLIER OF A NEW PRODUCT,
THE SUPPLIER MUST APPROVE AND SIGN THE SPECIFICATION. PRODUCT PACKAGING / CASE /
LABELING MUST MEET CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. CASE GRAPHICS GUIDELINES AND BE
APPROVED BY CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. QUALITY ASSURANCE DEPARTMENT.

CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. QUALITY ASSURANCE DEPARTMENT MUST BE GIVEN PRIOR
NOTIFICATION IF THE PLANT AND/OR LOCATION WHERE THIS PRODUCT IS MADE WILL BE
CHANGED. IN SUCH EVENT, OR PURSUANT TO VENDOR'S REQUEST TO TRANSFER PRODUCTION
TO AN UNAPPROVED PLANT, VENDOR SHALL REIMBURSE CKE RESTAURANT, INC. FOR ALL
REASONABLE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH APPROVING AN ALTERNATE OR SECONDARY PLANT OR
LOCATION, UNLESS APPROVAL OF THE ALTERNATE OR SECONDARY PLANT OR LOCATION IS
INITIATED SOLELY BY CKE RESTAURANTS, INC.

ANNOUNCED MONITORING AND/OR FACILITY INSPECTION BY CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. QUALITY
ASSURANCE PERSONNEL MAY OCCUR AT ANY TIME DURING OPERATING HOURS.

VENDOR SHALL MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE PRODUCT QUALITY AND PRODUCT SAFETY PROGRAM TO
MONITOR PRODUCT CONSISTENCY, SPECIFICATION COMPLIANCE, MANUFACTURING RISK
POINTS, EMPLOYEE HYGIENE AND PLANT SANITATION. PRODUCT DATA WILL BE MADE
AVAILABLE TO CKE UPON REQUEST. PLANT SANITATION INCLUDES AN ENVIRONMENTAL
AEROBIC PLATE COUNT AND LISTERIA CONTROL PROGRAM. A COPY OF BI-ANNUAL THIRD
PARTY AUDITS ON PRODUCT SAFETY AND PRODUCT QUALITY PROGRAMS, INCLUDING A PRODUCT
RECALL PROCEDURE MUST BE ON FILE WITH THE CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. QUALITY
ASSURANCE DEPARTMENT. FINISHED PRODUCT MUST PASS THROUGH AN OPERATIONAL
AUTOMATIC REJECTION TYPE METAL DETECTOR.

TO THE EXTENT PIERRE IS HANDLING SHIPPING, MANUFACTURERS SHIPPING TEMPERATURE
SENSITIVE PRODUCTS THAT ARE DELIVERED WITH A RADIOUS GREATER THAN TWO (2) HOURS
OR A HUNDRED (100) MILES FROM THE NEAREST DISTRIBUTION CENTER ARE REQUIRED TO
IMPLEMENT A TEMPERATURE TRACKING AND RECORDING PROGRAM. THE ABOVE PRODUCT
SPECIFICATION WILL NEED TO BE MODIFIED AS NEW TECHNOLOGY AND TECHNIQUES BECOME
AVAILABLE. BEFORE ANY CHANGES ARE MADE, TEST SAMPLES MUST BE PRODUCED AND
APPROVED BY THE CKE.

A MANIFEST OF CODE DATES WITH THE CORRESPONDING NUMBER OF CASES MUST BE
SUBMITTED WITH PRODUCT SHIPMENT TO CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. APPROVED DISTRIBUTION
CENTERS.

ADDRESS OF CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. QUALITY ASSURANCE DEPARTMENT:

                              CKE RESTAURANTS, INC.
                          QUALITY ASSURANCE DEPARTMENT
                             401 W. CARL KARCHER WAY
                                ANAHEIM, CA 92803
                          PH: (714) 774-5796 EXT: 7107
                               FAX: (714) 780-6255

ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE:

Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc.                 Pierre Foods, Inc

By /s/ John Dunion                             By /s/ Robert C. Naylor
   -------------------------------                ------------------------
   John Dunion                                    Robert C. Naylor
   Executive Vice President                       Senior Vice President - Sales

DISTRIBUTION:

Q.A. Department: Anaheim, St. Louis, Santa Barbara, Manteca.

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
732003                                     filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

                                 CASE/LABEL LOGO

                             [CKE RESTAURANTS LOGO]

                                 LEGAL STATEMENT

                             PACKED EXCLUSIVELY FOR
                                 CKE RESTAURANTS
                                ANAHEIM, CA 92803

                                 MADE IN THE USA

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

                                 CKE RESTAURANTS

                     CASE *LABEL/CASE PRINTING REQUIREMENTS

                             FOOD/PACKAGING/NON-FOOD

-    CKE #
-    Product Description
-    Date Received
-    Ingredient Listing (when required)
-    Count Information
-    Use Direction and/or Warning if applicable
-    Packed for Statement
-    QA #
-    Additional markings/information as required

                              SEE ATTACHED LAYOUTS

        -   Labels must be freezer adhesive.
            Labels will require modification for some products.

                                    CHEMICAL

-    Chemicals require the product name to be largest size illustrated on the
     logo sheet.

-    Chemical label stock - BLUE

-    Chemical label printing - Black

-    Chemicals require directions and/or warning to be printed in English,
     Spanish, and Vietnamese whenever possible.

-    Information format same as for Food/Packaging/Non-food.

-    Chemical Symbol.

[CHEMICAL LOGO]

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

                                CODE DATE FORMAT

Product must be open code date with use thru date for food and processed produce
item, delivery date for whole produce and date of manufacture for non-food
items.

     FOOD ITEM

     PIERRE FOODS CODING

     LL    MM    DD    YY    SH    HR

     LL = Line
     MM = Month
     DD = Day
     YY = Year
     SH = Shift
     HR = Hour

     -    NON-FOOD ITEM (Date of Manufacture)

          Date of Manufacture - Vendor Initials May 20,1999

               Example: BFC 05 20 99

     -    WHOLE PRODUCE (Delivery Date; date delivered to the D/C or Packed on
          date)

          Delivery Date or Packed on date - Vendor Initials May 20, 1999

               Example: BFC 05 20 99

When the day or month is a single digit, a zero must be used before the digit.
The minimum stamp size for coding is 1/2 inch.

     ARTWORK

     Coated Paper               Uncoated Paper
     2-Color                    2-Color
     PMS 485 red                PMS *** red
     PMS 116 yellow             PMS *** yellow

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

                             BAR CODE SPECIFICATIONS

(REQUIRED FOR ALL ITEMS DELIVERED TO ANY OF THE CKE RESTAURANTS OWNED
DISTRIBUTION CENTERS.)

1.   THIS IS REQUIRED FOR BOTH FOOD AND NON-FOOD PRODUCTS
     UPC-A bar code - UPC must have human readable text below bar code and
     should be centered on its own line as the first bar code.
     PLEASE NOTE: If you supply CKE proprietary product then use: CKE item
     number, followed by your QA number. The CKE item number is maximum 5
     characters. If your item number is less than 5 characters, all 5 characters
     should be filled, right justified, and padded with zeros. Your vendor
     number should immediately follow the item number with no separators between
     them.

2.   THIS IS REQUIRED FOR FOOD PRODUCT ONLY
     Code 128 bar code - 128 bar code must have human readable text below bar
     code and should be centered on its own line as the second line. This code
     is limited to 15 characters. The formula for the bar code information is as
     follows:

     a.   3 character alpha-numeric vendor initials. If you use less than 3
          characters, make sure you 'pad' the remaining positions with blank
          spaces.
     b.   8 digit numeric Code Date with no separators, blanks or slashes
          mmddyyhh where mm = month
          dd  =  date
          yy  =  last two digits of the year
          hh  =  hour
     c.   1 character blank space
     d.   3 character alpha-number or batch number. If lot or batch number is
          not available, add 3 blank characters. A+b+c+d = Code 128 bar code
          (Total 15 characters)

LABEL PLACEMENT: Label should be placed on any side of box - NOT top or bottom

SAMPLE LABEL:

[GRAPHIC]

[GRAPHIC]

The above requirements are general, intending to cover the majority of our
vendors. Individual situations will be considered.

Contact _____________________________ if you have any questions.

Phone # ___________________   Ext __________   Fax # ___________

Attachments

Logo Sheets attached                Yes              No
Label Sheets attached               Yes              No

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
[ILLEGIBLE]                                filed separately with the Commission.
<Page>

CASE GRAPHIC PRINTING INFORMATION

? 1  Storage Information (Frozen, Refrigerated or Dry)
? 2  Date Received (to be filled in by Restaurant)
? 3  Special Instructions (Fragile, Keep Frozen, Store at 0 DEG. F, etc.)
? 4  FFM will use top space for Item #
     MBM will use bottom space for Item #
? 5  Product Name
? 6  Ingredient Statement when Applicable
? 7  CKE Item #
? 8  HFS Item #
? 9  Quality Assurance Plant Approval #
? 10 USDA Stamp (If Applicable)
? 11 Suppliers may use this space for their internal Item # (Reverse Print)
? 12 Quantity/Net Wt.

[FLOWCHART]

[FLOWCHART]

/Qa/CASE GRAPHICS REVISED 101000
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

                                                                          PAGE 1
<Page>

                          CASE GRAPHIC LAYOUT EXAMPLE

                                  FRONT PANELS
[FLOWCHART]

                                   END PANELS
[FLOWCHART]

        USING PIERRE STANDARD MASTER CARTON WITH APPROVED LABEL APPLIED.

/Qa/CASE GRAPHICS REVISED 101000

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

                                                                          PAGE 2
<Page>

                         COMPLETED CASE GRAPHIC EXAMPLE

                                  FRONT PANELS
[FLOWCHART]

                                   END PANELS
[FLOWCHART]

        USING PIERRE STANDARD MASTER CARTON WITH APPROVED LABEL APPLIED.

/Qa/CASE GRAPHICS REVISED 101000

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

                                                                          PAGE 3
<Page>

                              LABEL LAYOUT EXAMPLE

                                  FRONT PANELS
[FLOWCHART]

                                   END PANELS
[FLOWCHART]

        USING PIERRE STANDARD MASTER CARTON WITH APPROVED LABEL APPLIED.

                    *PRE-PRINTED BOX OR LABEL IS ACCEPTABLE.
               SELECT THE APPLICATION THAT IS LEAST COSTLY AND/OR
                       MOST EFFICIENT FOR YOUR OPERATION.

/Qa/CASE GRAPHICS REVISED 101000

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

                                                                          PAGE 4
<Page>

CKE RESTAURANTS

MICROBIOLOGICAL TESTING FOR CKE ANGUS BURGERS

SAMPLE PLAN:
     1.   Samples of fully cooked and frozen products are collected whenever
          this item is scheduled for testing.
     2.   Samples are collected every hour, using strict aseptic techniques.
          These samples are placed in a sterile sample bag, and returned to the
          Quality Control kitchen and kept frozen until analysis. The sample
          bags are identified with date, item number, shift and the appropriate
          analysis.
     3.   The hourly samples are composited into one analytical.
     4.   Sample representing the entire day's production.

METHODOLOGY:
     1.   All samples analyzed for Aerobic Plate Count, Coliform, E.coli,
          S.aureus, Salmonella, E.coli 0157: H7 and L. monocytongenes.
     2.   The Aerobic Plate Count, Coliform, and E.Coli are testing using Petri
          film (AOAC method 986.33), the S.aureus method is from FDA BAM 8th
          edition, the salmonella and L. monocytogenes testing is conducted
          using the VIDAS rapid ELISA system (AOAC method 996.08), the E.coli
          0157:H7 is conducted using the USDA/FSIS Microbiology Laboratory
          GuidBook 3rd edition.

PRODUCT DISPOSITION:
     1.   ***
     2.   Product cannot be shipped until QA has removed the items from computer
          QA hold.
     3.   A COA is then faxed to the Quality Control at CKE, listing the data of
          analysis, production date, product description, product code, Pierre's
          code, lot number, and test results.

Effective Date: 5/01/04
Replaces: undated

CONFIDENTIAL: This document contains trade secrets proprietary to Pierre Foods,
Inc. Unauthorized reproduction or disclosure is strictly prohibited and may
result in serious legal consequences. Receipt or possession of this document
does not grant the right to reproduce the document, to disclose its contents, or
to use such contents in any way.

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

[GRAPHIC]

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.
<Page>

                             PRODUCT SIZE TEMPLATE

                                      ***

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

                                                                   PRODUCT: 9598
                                                           EFFECTIVE: 05/03/2004

                                                                 QUALITY DEFECT:

                                       ***
<Table>
<Caption>
          TARGET-          ACCEPTABLE
          ------           ----------
          <S>              <C>
          ***              ***
</Table>

                                       ***

<Table>
<Caption>
          UNACCEPTABLE     UNACCEPTABLE
          ------------     ------------
          <S>              <C>
          ***              ***
</Table>

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

                                                              PRODUCT CODE: 9598
                                                              EFFECTIVE 5/03/04

               UNACCEPTABLE
               ***

               PATTIES FROM OVEN TO SPIRAL
               FREEZER TRANSFER AREA

               UNACCEPTABLE
               ***

               PATTIES FROM SPIRAL FREEZER TO
               PACK AREA
***

               UNACCEPTABLE
               ***

               PATTIES FROM OVEN TO SPIRAL
               FREEZER TRANSFER AREA

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

                                                           PRODUCT: 9598
                                                   EFFECTIVE: 05/03/2004

                                                                 QUALITY DEFECT:
                                                                 ***

***
               ACCEPTABLE PATTIES
               ------------------
               ***

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

                                                                   PRODUCT: 9598
                                                           EFFECTIVE: 05/03/2004

                                                                 QUALITY DEFECT:
                                                                       ***

               ACCEPTABLE
               ----------
***

               MINIMUM
               -------
               ACCEPTABLE
               ----------

               UNACCEPTABLE
               ------------

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.<Page>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9

                              AMENDED AND RESTATED

                          FORMULA DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

     THIS FORMULA DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT is executed this 21st day of May, 2004,
and made effective as of February 1, 2004, by and between CARL KARCHER
ENTERPRISES, INC., a California corporation ("CKE") and PIERRE FOODS, INC., a
North Carolina corporation ("Vendor").

                                    RECITALS

     1.   CKE desires to introduce new products in its restaurant systems.

     2.   Vendor is in the business of developing formulations and producing and
manufacturing products of the type and kind contemplated by this Agreement.

     3.   VENDOR has developed a product which CKE desires to consider for use
in its restaurant systems.

     NOW, THERFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises herein made, the
parties agree as follows:

     1.   Vendor has developed specifications and desired elements or
characteristics for the following products (individually each a "Product" and
collectively the "Products"):

     Angus Beefsteak Patty 5.65 oz. Item #9598

     2.   Simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, the parties
entered into an Amended and Restated Agreement for the Products (the "Product
Contract").

     3.   So long as the Purchase Threshold (as defined herein) is met, Vendor
grants CKE, together with its parent, subsidiary and affiliate corporations, an
exclusive right to purchase the Products. It is expressly understood that Vendor
will process and manufacture the Products utilizing certain proprietary
processes, methods, ingredients and formulas (collectively, the "Formula")
described on Exhibit A attached hereto and in accordance with CKE's Finished
Product Specifications attached to the Product Contract. The parties agree and
acknowledge that Vendor has ownership of the Formula. Other than for the rights
granted herein to CKE by Vendor, CKE, together with its parent, subsidiary and
affiliate corporations, will not by virtue of this relationship acquire or claim
any proprietary interest in: (i) the Formula of Vendor utilized in the
manufacture and production of the Products, (ii) any patents, patent
applications, proprietary information, processes or methods containing
confidential information of Vendor and belonging to Vendor, (iii) any software,
trade secrets or other proprietary information, methods or processes licensed by
third parties to Vendor, or (iv) any other products, recipes, formulas,
techniques, procedures, or processes of the Vendor and belonging to Vendor.

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

     4.   CKE acknowledges that it is aware that Vendor presently manufactures
various protein and sandwich products substantially similar to the Products for
third parties and for its own branded sandwiches. This Agreement shall not limit
the right of Vendor to continue the manufacture and sale of any products and/or
branded items as they are presently or hereafter may be constituted or to
develop and process other branded items or products for itself or others;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as the Purchase
Threshold is met, Vendor may not:

          (i)    manufacture for or sell to any third party, except under the
     HARDEE'S Agreement (as herein defined), or for its own use any Angus Beef
     Burger Product that uses the same proprietary spices in the Angus meat
     block formula used in the manufacture of the Product, or

          (ii)   manufacture for or directly sell to any Competitor of CKE (as
     defined herein) any Angus Beef Burger Product confusingly similar to a
     Product. "Angus Beef Burger Product" means a beef patty consisting of more
     than 51% of black cattle beef with a raw weight range and with respect to a
     Product (so long as the Product is subject to the Product Contract) within
     .3oz., plus or minus, of the raw weight of such Product.

     5.   For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Competitor of CKE" shall
mean any national or regional chain of "quick" service restaurants or food shops
with one hundred (100) or more restaurants or shops operated under the same
tradename in which food is prepared on-premises and sold at an inside counter,
table service or drive-thru window, intended for immediate on-premises,
off-premises, or in-vehicle consumption.

     6.   For the purposes of this Agreement, "Purchase Threshold" means the
purchase under the Product Contract by CKE and its parent, subsidiary, and
affiliate corporations of *** pounds aggregate of Products from Vendor during
each rolling twelve (12) month trailing period, the first test period ending
fourteen (14) months after the month in which first delivery of Products is made
under the Product Contract. If less than *** pounds is available in any such
period for sale by Vendor, then such lesser amount available shall be the
Purchase Threshold.

     7.   CKE agrees as a condition of this Agreement that CKE will not contract
with more than two (2) other manufacturers (other than Vendor) at any one time
to manufacture and produce the Products for CKE, said other manufacturers to be
the same manufacturers as mutually agreed by CKE and HARDEE'S (herein defined)
and designated under the HARDEE'S Agreement. Vendor agrees that as a condition
of this Agreement that Vendor so long as the Purchase Threshold is met will
enter into agreements without royalty or fee with such other manufacturers
(designated under the HARDEE'S Agreement) to license the use of Vendor's
proprietary Formula for the Products to said manufacturers solely for the
purpose of manufacturing and producing the Products for CKE. Provided,
notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, Vendor agrees that CKE may engage one or
two of the aforesaid designated manufacturers which Vendor will license to use
the Formula during the time period beginning as

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

                                        2
<Page>

of the date of this Agreement until the Purchase Threshold is first tested.
Failure by Vendor to enter into a license agreement with a designated
manufacturer within a reasonable time, through no fault of the designated
manufacturer, shall constitute a material default under this Agreement. It is
expressly understood and agreed by the parties that other than licensing the use
of the Formula, Vendor shall have no further role in the relationship between
CKE and the other said manufacturer.

     8.   Vendor represents and warrants that it owns the formulations and
specifications to manufacture the Products free and clear and has the right to
enter into this Agreement and grant CKE and its parent, subsidiary, and
affiliate corporations the exclusive right to purchase the Products pursuant to
Section 3 and the right to license its proprietary formulas and specifications
for the production and manufacture of the Products under Section 7.

     9.   It is expressly acknowledged that the Vendor in consideration of the
premises herein and other consideration received, the legal sufficiency of which
is acknowledged, does hereby grant CKE the right of first refusal hereinafter
described. Upon the occurrence of any one of the following events, CKE upon
written notice to Vendor shall have the right of first refusal to purchase the
Formula, and all rights of ownership thereto, from the Vendor for a purchase
price and purchase terms provided in writing by Vendor to CKE within fourteen
(14) calendar days following the occurrence of any such event. CKE shall have
fourteen (14) calendar days after receiving the purchase price and purchase
terms notice within which to accept or decline Vendor's proposal. If CKE
declines to purchase the Formula during such time period, then Vendor shall be
free to contract with and sell to any third party the Formula unencumbered
without restriction, but not on different terms than those offered to CKE
without giving CKE a fourteen (14) day right of first refusal concerning the
same. From the date of the occurrence of any one of the events until the date on
which the Formula is purchased by CKE or by a third party under this provision,
Vendor shall permit CKE, or any manufacturer designated by CKE, to produce the
Products for CKE under the terms of the standard license agreement set forth in
Section 7 hereunder.

          a.   The Vendor ceases to manufacture or is unable to manufacture the
Product for any reason for a period of thirty (30) consecutive calendar days
excepting a Force Majeure (as defined in the Product Contract) provided Vendor
shall cooperate in good faith in such event with CKE and its then designated
manufacturers and any other temporary designated manufacturer appointed by CKE
to ensure appropriate supply of Products until Vendor can resume production and
supply of the Products as contemplated under the Product Contract, at which
point the rights and obligations of the parties under the Product Contract shall
resume. In such a Force Majeure event, until Vendor is able to resume its supply
obligations under the Product Contract, the Purchase Threshold and Volume
Requirements (as defined in the Product Contract) shall be waived;

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

                                        3
<Page>

          b.   Excepting by reason of delay or default of persons outside the
control of Vendor, the Vendor fails to perform or observe any portion of its
obligations under Section 7 herein at any time;

          c.   The Vendor ceases to do business as a manufacturer of beef
products for any reason; and

          d.   The Vendor (i) voluntarily commences any proceeding or file any
petition seeking relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy,
insolvency, receivership, liquidation or similar law, (ii) consents to the
institution of, or fails to contravene in a timely and appropriate manner, any
such proceeding or the involuntary filing of any such petition, (iii) applies
for or consents to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, or similar
official of itself or of a substantial part of its property, (iv) files an
answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any
voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy proceeding, (v) makes a general assignment
for the benefit of creditors, (vi) becomes unable, admits in writing its
inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due or (vii) takes
any corporate or other action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.
Provided in the event of a Chapter 11 reorganization, if the trustee affirms the
Product Contract and the associated agreements, and the Vendor affirmatively
shows its ability to produce and supply, and so long as it does so, the Products
in accordance with the Product Contract, such event so long as in Chapter 11
status, or a complete discharge therefrom, shall not be deemed an event under
this subsection (d).

          10.  The parties recognize the unique nature of this Agreement due to
the uniqueness of the Product, the health and liability issues integral to the
Product and the effect of the Product on the reputation of CKE and Vendor.
Accordingly, the parties agree that this Agreement is personal in nature and
that neither party may assign or otherwise transfer its rights and obligations
under this Agreement to another party without the express prior written consent
of the non-transferring party which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
This Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the parties
hereunder and their respective approved successors and assigns.

          11.  This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
California. The parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and
federal courts of the State of California for the adjudication of matters
arising out of this Agreement; and neither party will assert FORUM NON
CONVENIENS with respect to such venue. This Agreement, and all Exhibits, are
only valid if and when duly signed by authorized representatives of both
parties. No third party is authorized to amend or waive, on behalf of CKE, any
provision of this Agreement.

          12.  There are no understandings, agreements, or representations,
express or implied, not specified herein. This Agreement amends, restates and
supercedes that certain Formula Development Agreement pertaining to the subject
matter hereof executed by the parties on February 1, 2004. This Agreement may
not be amended except in a writing signed by the parties.

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

                                        4
<Page>

          13.  It is expressly agreed and acknowledged that Vendor has entered
into a certain Amended and Restated Agreement dated of even date and effective
December 1, 2002 with HARDEE'S Food Systems, Inc. ("HARDEE'S"), which agreement,
and any amendments and attachments thereto including the Amended and Restated
Formula Development Agreement between HARDEE'S and the Vendor, dated of even
date and effective as of December 1, 2002 (all the "HARDEE'S Agreement), grant
to HARDEE'S the right to purchase products similar to the Products in accordance
with the terms and conditions therein. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, CKE acknowledges that the rights, privileges, and options of HARDEE'S
under the HARDEE'S Agreement, and the terms thereof, shall not be deemed a
violation of the Product Contract, this Agreement, or any agreements delivered
therewith.

     Executed the 21st day of May, 2004 and effective as of February 1, 2004.

CARL KARCHER ENTERPRISES, INC.        PIERRE FOODS, INC.

By: /s/ John Dunion                   By: /s/ Robert C. Naylor
   ----------------------------          -------------------------------
    John Dunion                            Robert C. Naylor
    Executive Vice President               Senior Vice President-Sales

----------
                                           Confidential information redacted and
Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   filed separately with the Commission.

                                        5
<Page>

                                                                   EXHIBIT A

PRODUCT: Angus Beefsteak ***                                SPECIFICATION #:9598

Page 1 of 3                                                         REVISIONS:01

          (C) PIERRE FOODS, INC. 2004:
          THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND TRADE SECRETS
          PROPRIETARY TO PIERRE FOODS., INC. UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR
          DISCLOSURE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS LEGAL
          CONSEQUENCES. RECEIPT OR POSSESSION OF THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT GRANT
          THE RIGHT TO REPRODUCE THIS DOCUMENT, TO DISCLOSE ITS CONTENTS OR TO
          USE SUCH CONTENTS IN ANY WAY.

                               PIERRE FOODS, INC.

                         PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

                       PRODUCT FORMULA AND SPECIFICATIONS

          Product: Pierre Foods: Angus Beefsteak ***

          Specification #: 9598

        SUPERSEDES: None Page 1 of 3        EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/27/04

        SUPPLEMENTS
        - Regulatory HACCP Flow chart
        - Application for Approval of Label

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:   Individually frozen, *** chopped Angus beefsteak
                       (chopped and formed) without grill marks. It is to be
                       thawed under refrigeration to a maximum of *** and
                       heated surface temperature to *** for a minimum of ***.

RAW MATERIALS:

Ingredients Angus Beef, Salt ***                       Sodium Phosphates, Spices

     Angus Beef: Chemical Lean (CL) must be within +/- 2% fat of purchased and
     slated label claim. Must be from Angus Cattle that complies with the
     following USDA Schedules: *** and Raw Materials Spec, Beef Angus Trimmings,
     boneless Combos/Fresh.

     A) Frozen Angus Beef: ***:
          1)   Target fat content of *** +/- 2%.
          2)   ***.
          3)   Must be from USDA ***.
          4)   At time of receipt, frozen product must be 10 DEG. F or less.
          5)   Receiving: Frozen less than 90 days at time of our receipt.

     B) *Fresh Angus Beef: ***.
          1)   Target Fat content +/- 2%.
          2)   ***.
          3)   At time of receipt, fresh product must be 40 DEG. F or less.
          4)   Receiving: Fresh less than *** days from bone date.

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
732062                                     filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

                                                                   EXHIBIT A

PRODUCT: Angus Beefsteak ***                                SPECIFICATION #:9598

Page 2 of 3                                                         REVISIONS:01

     C) *Fresh Angus Beef: ***.
          1)   Target Fat Content of +/- 2%.
          2)   ***.
          3)   At time of receipt, fresh product must be 40 DEG. F or less.
          4)   Receiving: Fresh less than *** days from bone date.

     *Angus Beef will be combined to target *** fat content in the overall meat
     mix.

     NOTE: THE ABOVE RAW MATERIALS ARE NOT PROPRIETARY TO PIERRE FOODS.

     NOTE: Applies to all of the above:

  1)   Regulatory HACCP Flow chart - attached.
  2)   ***
  3)   Blend fresh lean/frozen trim/fat meat.
  4)   Beef is ground, mixed with non-meat additives and chilled (Mix time ***
       mins, +*** min. correction if necessary).
  5)   Mix is final ground through *** plate.
  6)   Meat mix is formed into 8.0 oz patties (temperature *** DEG. F +/- ***
       DEG. F). The average patty weights must equal or exceed stated labeled
       weight.
  7)   Adjustments are made to produce patties with finished cooked target
       weight of *** oz.
  8)   Patties are *** and ***
  9)   Patties are ***. Minimum char on bottom.
  10)  Patties run through ***
  11)  Patties are *** before entering *** The *** are *** (the width of the
       patty belt). Each *** has *** which *** in a *** The *** rate is ***
       of *** The *** that are *** in different stages of the patty
       manufacturing process are *** to the patties, but help improve the
       patty ***
  12)  Patties are fully cooked in *** with *** respectively. When applicable,
       patties may *** before and/or after *** to enhance ***.
  13)  Patties are *** a *** after the ***
  14)  Patties are individually quick frozen, and packaged. Will meet Pierre
       Foods HACCP/USDA regulations.

     NOTE: THE BOLD STATEMENTS IN (2) THROUGH (10) AND (14) ABOVE ARE GENERAL
     PROCESSING OPERATIONS AND ARE NOT PROPRIETARY TO PIERRE FOODS.

Salt: Sodium Chloride ***

     ***
     1)***
     2)***
     3)***
     4)***
     5)***
     6) Appearance: ***
     7) Particle size: ***
     8) Kosher certified. ***

Sodium Phosphate:
     Rhone-Poulenc Food Ingredient: Cravis 350.

          1)   A blend of Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, and
               Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate.
          2)   Physical Characteristics: A white granular material that is
               essentially free of lumps, foreign matter, and odor.
          3)   Grade: Food: Components meet Food Chemical Codex Specification.
          4)   Kosher: Certified by OU.

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
732062                                     filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

                                                                   EXHIBIT A

PRODUCT: Angus Beefsteak ***                                SPECIFICATION #:9598

Page 3 of 3                                                         REVISIONS:01

Spice ***

          ***
          1)   ***
          2)   Flavor Characteristic: ***
          3)   Physical Characteristic: ***

                                       OR

          ***
          1)   Processed from ***
          2)   Flavor/Odor: ***
          3)   Physical Characteristic: ***

FORMULATION:

<Table>
<Caption>
          INGREDIENT                                           PERCENT
          ----------                                           -------
          <S>                                                    <C>
          *Frozen Angus Beef *** ..........................         ***

          Fresh: Angus Beef *** ...........................         ***

          Salt ............................................         ***

          Sodium Phosphates................................         ***

          Spice ...........................................         ***

          Total ...........................................      100.00%
</Table>

          *Angus Beef will be combined based on fat content to target *** fat
          content in overall meat mix using the approved formulated meats.
          Salt ***

ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE:

Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc.          Pierre Foods, Inc

By /s/ John Dunion                      By /s/ Robert C. Naylor
   ---------------------------             ----------------------------------
   John Dunion                             Robert C. Naylor
   Executive Vice President                Senior Vice President - Sales

DISTRIBUTION:

Q.A. Department: Anaheim, St. Louis, Santa Barbara, Manteca.

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
732062                                     filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

Effective: 12/12/2003                                             Cincinnati, OH
Replaces: [ILLEGIBLE]

                          REGULATORY HACCP: RECEIVING

MEAT INGREDIENTS

[FLOWCHART]

RETURNED GOODS

[FLOWCHART]

PACKAGING MATERIALS

[FLOWCHART]

NON-MEAT INGREDIENTS

[FLOWCHART]

                                                       CONFIDENTIAL, PROPRIETARY
                                                    TRADE SECRET OF PIERRE FOODS

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

Effective: 12/12/2003                                             Cincinnati, OH
Replaces: 2/13/2002

                               REGULATORY HACCP:
                               Charbroil Process

                                     ***

                                                       CONFIDENTIAL, PROPRIETARY
                                                    TRADE SECRET OF PIERRE FOODS

Omitted portions are indicated by [***].   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, and agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information
unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for
this information collection is 0583-0092. The time required to complete this
information collection is estimated to average 15 minutes per response,
including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. This form has been approved by OMB for web
distribution.
                                                             PAGE ______of______

<Table>
<S>                                 <C>                            <C>                   <C>                   <C>
  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE    1. AGENT NAME, ADDRESS,        2. FOR USDA USE ONLY  3. FOR USDA USE ONLY  4. ESTABLISHMENT NO./
FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE     TELEPHONE NO. (IF USING AN                                                 FOREIGN COUNTRY
                                       AGENT, COMPLETE THIS BLOCK,  CONFIDENTIAL: This document contains trade    (IF APPLICABLE)
         APPLICATION FOR               OTHERWISE LEAVE BLANK)       secrets proprietary to Pierre Foods, Inc.
       APPROVAL OF LABELS,                                          Unauthorized reproduction or disclosure is
        MARKING OR DEVICE           Prime Label Consultants, Inc.   strictly prohibited and may result in               2132
                                       536 Seventh Street SE        serious legal consequences. Receipt or
FSIS has determined that                    PO Box 15240            possession of this document does not grant
information provided in items 8,      Washington, DC 20003-0240     the right to reproduce the document, to
9, and 10 is exempt from                   (202) 546-3333           disclose is contents, or to use such
mandatory disclosure under the           FAX (202) 543-4337         contents in any way.
Freedom of Information Act 5
U.S.C. 552(b)(4).

APPLICANT: SEE PAGE 2 FOR
INSTRUCTIONS.
                                                                                                               5b. HACCP PROCESS
                                                                                                               CATEGORY
5a. NAME OF PRODUCT    Fully Cooked Ground Beef Steaks                                                         Fully cooked--not
                              chopped & formed                                9598                             shelf stable

6a. TYPE OF APPROVAL REQUESTED      6b. WAS THE                                           7a. AREA OF PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
   /X/ SKETCH   / / TEMPORARY           LABEL      / / YES -> Date of approval:_________      (SQUARE INCHES):
                                        PREVIOUSLY            Prior approval
   / / EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY           APPROVED? /X/  NO      number:         _________                    n/a
                                                              Number of labels
                                                               on hand:        _________  7b. TOTAL AVAILABLE LABELING SPACE FOR
                                                              Number of days                  ENTIRE PACKAGE (SQUARE INCHES):
                                                               requested:      _________

                        8. PRODUCT FORMULA                           / / PCT /X/ WEIGHT          9. PROCESSING PROCEDURES
                                                                         (NO FRACTIONS)   (APPROVAL OF THE SKETCH DOES NOT CONVEY
                                                                                             APPROVAL OF THE PROCESSING PROCEDURES)

ANGUS BEEF                                                                                1. GRIND ALL BEEF.
***                                                                           ***         2. MIX NON-MEAT INGREDIENTS.
                                                                                          3. ***
SODIUM PHOSPHATES                                                                         4. GRIND OUT.
SPICES                                                                                    5. FORM INTO MINIMUM 1/2 POUND (8.0 OZ)
***                                                                                       PATTY SHAPE.
                                                                                          6. ***  AND COOK TO MINIMUM INTERNAL
                                                                                          TEMPERATURE OF 151 F FOR 41 SECONDS.
                                                                                             (PER 9 CFR 318.23 TABLE A)
                                                                                          7. FREEZE AND PACKAGE.

                              TOTAL (PERCENT MUST TOTAL 100%)                100.00                EZ Form(tm) v2004, 103

       10. NAME AND ADDRESS OF FIRM (BELOW AND BETWEEN DOTS)        11. SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT OR AGENT         DATE:
-                                    -                                   /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]                             4-29-2004
       PIERRE FOODS, INC
       ***                                                          12. CONDITIONS APPLYING TO USE OF LABELS OR DEVICE (FOR USDA
       PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER                                      USE ONLY)
       9990 PRINCETON RD
       CINCINNATI, OH 45246
-                                    -

FSIS FORM 7234-1 (10/03/2002)       REPLACES FSIS FORM 7234-1 (11/87), WHICH IS OBSOLETE.             DESIGNED IN FORMFLOW SOFTWARE.
</Table>

Omitted portions are indicated by (***).   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

<Page>

[ILLEGIBLE]

                                   [ILLEGIBLE]
                              chopped & formed 9598

                              PRODUCT FORMULATION

<Table>
     <S>                             <C>
     ANGUS BEEF                         ***
     ***
     SODIUM PHOSPHATES
     SPICE
                                     ------
     ***               TOTAL (lbs.)  100.00
     </Table>

          CONFIDENTIAL: This document contains trade secrets proprietary to
          Pierre Foods, Inc. Unauthorized reproduction or disclosure is strictly
          prohibited and may result in serious legal consequences. Receipt or
          possession of this document does not grant the right to reproduce the
          document, to disclose its contents, or to use such contents in any
          way.

Printed at 3:03 p.m. on 29-Apr-04                                EZ Form v2004.1

Omitted portions are indicated by (***).   Confidential information redacted and
                                           filed separately with the Commission.

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00076-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00076-of-00352.parquet"}]]