If a trained manager leaves my Aplus franchise, how long do I have to replace them?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
If you are a multi-unit APLUS franchisee, you must have at least one full-time employee who has successfully completed our required training, at our satisfaction, on duty in each APLUS Store at least 40 hours per week. This employee may be our trained manager. When necessary, you have four months to replace a trained manager who is no longer employed by you. Replacement managers must attend and successfully complete, to our satisfaction, the initial training program. (Section 8.4 of the Franchise Agreement)
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 40–47)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, if you are a multi-unit franchisee and a trained manager leaves your employment, you have four months to replace them. The replacement manager must attend and successfully complete the initial training program to Aplus's satisfaction.
This requirement ensures that each Aplus store maintains a certain level of operational expertise. Having a trained manager on duty for at least 40 hours per week is mandatory for multi-unit franchisees, highlighting the importance Aplus places on qualified leadership within each location.
The cost of training the replacement manager is not specified in this section, but Item 11 mentions that additional or remedial training is provided at no charge for the first two attendees, with a charge of $1,000 per week for each additional person. It is important to clarify with Aplus whether this fee applies to replacement managers or if there are separate costs associated with their training. Franchisees should also factor in the costs for hotel, travel, and wages for the replacement manager during the training period.
This policy underscores the need for franchisees to have a plan for manager turnover to avoid any disruption in meeting the operational standards set by Aplus. Failing to replace a trained manager within the stipulated timeframe could potentially lead to a breach of the franchise agreement.