For the record, Hardee's has some great fried chicken, provided it is fresh (as advertised) and…read moreprepared correctly according to their recipe. I live about 10 minutes away from the Castle Hayne location. I called ahead and informed the staff member that I was coming to purchase an 8-piece chicken meal. He assured me, "I got you, man," so I proceeded to the restaurant. I made this call based on previous experiences. Upon arrival, I noticed chicken in the warmer, and from the counter, it was evident that it was not fresh, despite the sign above it claiming otherwise. However, I have been there before, and often they retrieve fresh chicken from the kitchen, so I remained optimistic. I ordered the 8-piece chicken meal and two Hot Ham and Cheese sandwiches. I observed the staff member checking the chicken in the warmer, conversing with someone in the kitchen, and then returning to the warmer multiple times. This sequence of events felt like "foreshadowing" in literature. She then assisted a drive-thru customer before placing 8 pieces of chicken from the warmer into a box and bagging it. A few minutes later, she informed me that we were waiting on the sandwiches and handed me the chicken (I had already paid). At this point, a lady, who appeared to be the manager, emerged from the back, handling cash from the registers. I inspected the chicken, broke open a piece, and found it to be extremely dry and clearly hours old. I asked the lady if she was the manager, and she confirmed. I explained that I had called in advance to ensure I received fresh chicken, but this was far from fresh. She claimed it was only 15 minutes old. I showed her the piece, and from her position, she could see it was obviously very old. She then began chastising her staff, stating that they should never serve fresh chicken first and that the old chicken should have been disposed of. I tried to explain that, as a manager myself, I believed this was her responsibility, not her staff's. She did not address me further. A gentleman from the back, who I believe was the person I spoke to on the phone, approached as I was explaining that the chicken was inedible. The manager, Marilyn Johnson, continued to chastise her staff and ignored the situation at the counter. The gentleman seemed genuinely surprised at the state of the chicken and asked the manager if he should issue a refund. She did not respond. He asked if I had paid by card, and sensing his uncertainty, I told him not to worry about it. I mentioned that I was not upset with him but disappointed because I had anticipated enjoying fresh, hot Hardee's chicken. He was empathetic and engaging, which I appreciated. I believe his name might be Brandon. I received my two Ham and Cheese sandwiches and left, with Marilyn Johnson still not acknowledging me or offering any apology.

My boyfriend and I were in Castle Hayne and very hungry. On his recommendation we went through the…read moredrive-through at Hardee's and got their 10 piece chicken tender meal and fries. I was honestly impressed with how yummy the chicken tenders were. I had low expectations. I won't necessarily go to Hardee's on the regular, but now I know it's a decent option if needed. The fries were ok. Definitely get all the sauces- the chicken with ranch was a good combo.

The hotdogs were great! It's a very small menu but what they offer is delicious! The food came out…read morenice and quick and it was perfect. It's also insanely affordable making it easy to go back for seconds- which you definitely will! Highly recommend!

Love this place. Get hot dogs "all the way" which includes mustard, special relish, onions. It's…read moreworth the drive!

The food was great! Fresh home made bread, and grits were delicious. The service was great as…read morewell. Highly recommend.

Chicken salad is top tier! The bread they use is immaculate. I've never experienced a place that…read morespecializes in sandwiches taste this good.

7.2.22 Stopped by…read morefor lunch on the way home in MD. Went through drive thru and after placing the order was asked to pull to the front side of the restaurant and someone would bring our food to us. Our food came out piping hot and crispy. The food was the best I've had at any of their location that I can remember in awhile. They would have gotten 5 stars, but they forgot my sweet & sour sauce so I had to run in to get it.

Caramel coffee that tasted like water no salt on fries had to go get apple pie didn't get the…read moreketchup we asked for overall bad food bad service bad experience

Lady was nice,but the system at the gas pump was a pain as she told me to go to a different pump…read moreafter wasting 10 minutes, I was extremely frustrated had a interview but was late because of that thanks Circle k

The attendant was so nice it was 3am all other stations were closed and one would not unlock door…read morebut she was happy and please t to see us the store was clean

they literally don't know what a baconator is , can't make it up. They gave me a single patty (SON…read moreOF BACONATOR) , and tried telling me that's a baconator ... thats literally like a Big Mac coming with 1 patty

The people that work here are Miserable. l drive through for a salad after a long drive and the…read moregirl at the drive through was so unfriendly. Couldn't even get her to say hi. The other girl working with her was rude, too. It also took forever. What saved it is the taste. The salad was delicious although they advertise avocado and it was guacamole. Also, the French fries were really hot and fresh.

Have you ever had one of those dining experiences that you don't want to end? Well, that's what I…read morefelt on my last visit. I ordered the four piece box of dark meat chicken with fries. Man, it was all perfect. They certainly know how to make chicken. Restaurant was immaculate and the entire staff was dialed in and really appeared like they enjoyed their jobs. Great customer service. If you haven't been to Smithfield's, give them a try. It might just become one of your go-to spots. It's one of mine now. I approve! Chief

There is good food and then there is good food combined with incredible customer service. I ordered…read morea 12 piece and some hush puppies for dinner for the family while we were visiting. When the driver arrived they texted me and told me that store was trying to contact me, I immediately though oh boy they are out of something. When I spoke to the store they told me they were closing at 5 due to the storm incoming and they wanted the staff to get home safely. They said they had stopped frying as it was 4:45, he said they had some tenders and chicken left and would it be ok to just send me what they had, I told him absolutely safety for the staff was most important. When we got the order, holy hell. We got probably 20 tenders, 5 pieces of chicken, more than 30 hush puppies, a couple hot wings, 2 banana puddings and 2 pieces of pecan pie. We were the last customers of the night and for being understanding they apparently decided to bury us in delicious chicken. Everything was so tasty, deliciously cooked and well seasoned. The banana pudding was the surprise home run for me it was amazing. Incredible customer service, above and beyond and great food. You can't go wrong with Smithfield.

I ordered a bacon and egg biscuit with extra bacon and I got egg and bacon on a hamburger bun. That…read moreIS NOT even a thing. I usually let things go but this is ridiculous. Don't waste your money here. If I could give a zero rating I would.

Food was horrible and so was the service. Took over 20 minutes and didn't even end up with the…read moreright order when I said if you haven't started it don't. I need to leave. French fries were pieces of fries. It was overall discussing

Just ordered a whopper Junior with no tomatoes at 1105am, since it wasn't busy, and I was the only…read moreone in the drive-through line, you would expect it to at least be fresh. I was served a cold whopper Junior with tomatoes. How can they screw up the simplest orders?

The customer service is really bad, and they're running out of food. Lady was rude for no reason,…read moreand had a big attitude. also forgot my ranch that i asked for 3 different times