Does Aw consider methods of training managers and other employees as confidential information?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
9.1 Types of Confidential Information. We possess certain unique confidential and proprietary information and trade secrets consisting of the following categories of information,
methods, techniques, products, and knowledge developed by us and our franchisees: (4) methods, techniques, formats, specifications, procedures, information, systems and knowledge of and experience in the development, operation, and franchising of Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants; (2) source of supply, ordering and inventory control and methods of providing the products and services sold at Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants; (3) recipes and methods for preparation of food products; (4) knowledge of sales and profit performance of any one or more Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants; (5) knowledge of test programs, concepts or results relating to new services and products; sources of products; (6) advertising, marketing and promotional programs; (7) construction, lay-out, equipping and decoration of Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants; (8) selection and training of Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant managers and other personnel; (9) methods of training managers and other employees; and (10) contents of the Operations Manual or other written material provided to you in whatever media. All such information will be referred to in this Agreement as "Confidential Information." We will disclose much of the Confidential Information to you, and will do so in furnishing you prototype plans for build-out of a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, in advising about site selection, in providing training programs, in the list of approved suppliers, in the Operations Manual and in providing guidance and assistance to you under this Agreement.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 39–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the methods of training managers and other employees are considered confidential information. Specifically, the FDD states that Aw possesses unique confidential and proprietary information and trade secrets. This includes methods, techniques, formats, specifications, procedures, information, systems, and knowledge related to the development, operation, and franchising of Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants.
The FDD specifies that 'methods of training managers and other employees' is included in the definition of Confidential Information. Aw will disclose much of this confidential information to the franchisee, including in furnishing prototype plans, advising about site selection, providing training programs, in the list of approved suppliers, in the Operations Manual and in providing guidance and assistance under the Franchise Agreement.
As an Aw franchisee, you are required to maintain the absolute confidentiality of this information during and after the term of the agreement. You must also adopt and implement all reasonable procedures that Aw may prescribe to prevent unauthorized use or disclosure of the Confidential Information, including restrictions on disclosure to your employees and the use of non-disclosure and/or non-competition agreements that Aw may prescribe for employees, managers, or owners who receive training or have access to the Confidential Information. This obligation ensures that the franchisee protects Aw's proprietary training methods and other confidential business practices.