<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-12.1
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>a73927ex12-1.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 12.1
<TEXT>

<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 12-1

                     CKE RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                             (Dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Sixteen Weeks Ended
                                                       -----------------------
                                                        May 21,        May 22,
                                                         2001           2000
                                                       --------       --------
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>
    Earnings before fixed charges:
        Loss before income taxes                       $(36,232)      $ (3,961)
        Fixed charges                                    32,337         30,402
                                                       --------       --------
                                                       $ (3,895)      $ 26,441
                                                       ========       ========

    Fixed charges:
        Interest expense                               $ 22,545       $ 20,695
        Interest component of rent expense (1)            9,792          9,707
                                                       --------       --------
                                                       $ 32,337       $ 30,402
                                                       ========       ========

    Deficiency of earnings to cover fixed charges      $ 36,232       $  3,961
                                                       ========       ========
</TABLE>


---------------
(1) Calculated as one-third of total rent expense

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>