Regarding staffing for an Aerus franchise, does the company have the ability to set minimum staffing requirements for approved locations?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee shall have sole authority and discretion regarding all employment matters, including without limitation, hiring, firing, discipline, compensation, benefits and scheduling.
Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, Company may from time to time set minimum staffing requirements and hours of operation for Approved Locations in the Manuals.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 74–305)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aerus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, while franchisees generally have autonomy over employment matters, Aerus retains the right to set minimum staffing requirements. Specifically, the FDD states that franchisees have sole authority regarding hiring, firing, discipline, compensation, benefits, and scheduling. However, Aerus may, from time to time, set minimum staffing requirements for approved locations, and these requirements would be detailed in the manuals.
This means that while franchisees can make day-to-day staffing decisions, Aerus can mandate a minimum number of employees or specific roles that must be present at the approved location. This is a fairly common practice in franchising, allowing the franchisor to ensure a consistent level of service and operational standards across all locations.
Prospective Aerus franchisees should carefully review the manuals to understand any existing minimum staffing requirements and how these requirements might impact their labor costs and operational flexibility. It would be prudent to discuss with Aerus the circumstances under which these minimums might be adjusted or changed, and what factors Aerus considers when setting these requirements.