Is an Annex Brands franchisee solely responsible for training their personnel?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- b) Except as provided in this Agreement, Franchisee is solely responsible for training its personnel.
To the extent that Franchisor provides Franchisee with materials and other resources related to training Franchisee's management and non-management personnel on matters in the interest of protecting and maintaining the goodwill of the System and the Marks, and not in order to give Franchisor control the day-to-day operation of the Center, Franchisee must use those training resources as Franchisor directs.
To the extent that Franchisor provides Franchisee with guidelines, recommendations, materials and other resources related to training Franchisee's management and non-management personnel on other matters, Franchisee may use those training resources, or may choose to use alternate training resources, so long as its management and non-management personnel are trained to operate the Center in a System-compliant, legal and safe manner.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD pages 109–110)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are primarily responsible for training their personnel, though Annex Brands does provide initial and ongoing training resources. While the franchisee is generally responsible for training their staff, Annex Brands offers initial training to the franchisee and/or their personnel (up to 4 people) that includes hands-on experience and classroom instruction at their San Diego, California offices. This initial training typically lasts 8 classroom days for standard, flex, or express centers, with a possible additional 6-hour day for flex centers.
Annex Brands may also provide online training programs before the initial in-person training, potentially reducing the number of classroom days required. Franchisees may also be required to complete additional pre-training or post-training sessions, such as teleconferences or online web-based training. The franchisee is responsible for any license and administrative fees associated with these pre- and post-training requirements, such as the current $330 one-time fee for an online financial training portal. The initial training covers various aspects of the business, including marketing, sales, business instruction, and financial management.
Beyond the initial training, Annex Brands may require franchisees and their managers to attend periodic training courses online or at designated locations. Annex Brands may also offer national conventions and regional meetings for additional training in areas like marketing, technology, and business management, and may offer optional training programs. Franchisees may be charged a registration fee for these additional training opportunities, and attendance at national conventions and regional meetings may be mandatory. However, franchisees retain the ultimate responsibility for ensuring their personnel are adequately trained to operate the center in a compliant, legal, and safe manner, and for compliance with all applicable personnel laws and regulations.