Is an Aw Papa Ray's Pizza franchisee required to implement a training program for employees?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You agree to staff the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant with the number of managers, assistant managers and employees sufficient to operate the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant in compliance with this Agreement and the standards and specifications in the Operations Manual and to provide proper customer service during all hours of operation.
You shall hire all employees of the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, be exclusively responsible for complying with all employment laws and for all employment decisions and functions related to the operation of the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, including hiring, firing, compensation, benefits, work hours, work rules, recordkeeping, supervision and discipline of employees and other terms of their employment.
You must implement a training program for said employees that meets our standards.
You agree to require all employees to maintain a neat and clean appearance, and to wear uniforms meeting our standards and specifications as we may require, for the protection of the Marks and brand .
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 39–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, as a Papa Ray's Pizza franchisee, you are required to implement a training program for your employees that meets Aw's standards. You are responsible for hiring all employees and complying with all employment laws. You must also ensure your employees maintain a neat and clean appearance and wear uniforms that meet Aw's standards.
In addition to the franchisee-led training program, Aw provides initial training that the franchisee and up to two managers must attend. This initial training program is approximately four weeks long and covers the operation of a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant. Aw also provides on-site start-up assistance and training for three days at the franchisee's premises around the opening date to provide additional support to the franchisee, their owners, managers, and employees.
Aw may also require franchisees, their owners, and/or managers to attend supplemental training, seminars, regional franchise meetings, or webinars from time to time. Furthermore, franchisees, a principal owner, and/or their operating manager must attend Aw's Annual Conference. These additional training programs and conferences may come with tuition fees and travel expenses that the franchisee will be responsible for.