What is the minimum employment duration required for current or past employees to qualify for the discounted Aw franchise fee?

According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, current or past employees of Aw, its affiliates, or one of its franchisees can qualify for a discounted initial franchise fee of $15,000 if they were employed for a minimum of one year. This is a significant reduction from the standard initial franchise fee of $30,000. This discount is also available to existing Aw franchisees in good standing who are purchasing an additional franchise and honorably discharged veterans.

For prospective franchisees who are current or former employees, this represents a considerable cost savings when starting their own Aw franchise. The one-year minimum employment requirement ensures that the employee has gained sufficient experience and understanding of the Aw system before being eligible for the discount. This policy potentially incentivizes employees to remain with Aw or its franchisees for at least a year, fostering loyalty and potentially improving the quality of franchise candidates.

It is important to note that the discounted initial franchise fee of $15,000 is non-refundable and must be paid in cash in full upon signing the franchise agreement. This condition is consistent with the standard initial franchise fee, which is also non-refundable. Therefore, eligible employees should carefully consider their decision before signing the agreement, as the fee will not be returned under any circumstances.