What is a 'Certified Training Location' for Auntie Annes?
Auntie_Annes Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
To be designated as a Certified Training Location, a Shop must (a) meet compliance scores that we specify, (b) fully comply with our thencurrent Standards, (c) employ at least one Manager, in addition to a Certified Training Manager, and (d) meet any other requirements that we may specify from time to time.
We may, in our sole discretion and at any time, (i) grant, withhold, or revoke certification for a Certified Training Location or a Certified Training Manager or (ii) change the minimum requirements for certification of a Certified Training Location or a Certified Training Manager. We may require Certified Training Managers to be recertified if they transfer from one Shop to another, if they no longer meet our then-current requirements, or annually. If a Certified Training Manager ceases to be a Manager of a Certified Training Location or has their certification revoked, such Shop must be re-certified as Certified Training Location before offering training again.
If we certify a Certified Training Location and Certified Training Manager, such Certified Training Manager must provide our Management Training Program at a Certified Training Location in accordance with our Standards for such training. If we withhold or revoke certification of a Certified Training Location, we may require your trainees to attend the Management Training Program at another location that we designate and require you to pay our then-current fee (if any) for such training.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 61–77)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Auntie Anne's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, a 'Certified Training Location' is an Auntie Anne's shop that meets specific criteria established by the company to provide management training. To become a Certified Training Location, a shop must achieve compliance scores set by Auntie Anne's, fully adhere to the current brand standards, and employ at least one manager in addition to a Certified Training Manager. The shop must also fulfill any other requirements that Auntie Anne's may specify.
Auntie Anne's retains the sole discretion to grant, withhold, or revoke the certification of a Certified Training Location at any time, and they can also modify the minimum requirements for certification. If a shop's certification is withheld or revoked, Auntie Anne's may require the franchisee's trainees to attend the Management Training Program at an alternative location designated by Auntie Anne's, and the franchisee may be required to pay the then-current training fee.
For franchisees who operate multiple Auntie Anne's locations, having a Certified Training Location offers the potential to train their own staff, subject to Auntie Anne's approval. This can provide greater control over the training process and potentially reduce training costs. However, maintaining certification requires ongoing compliance and adherence to Auntie Anne's standards, and the certification can be revoked if the location fails to meet the requirements. This means that franchisees need to consistently maintain high operational standards and invest in their staff to remain a certified training location.