For a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant by Aw, where will the initial training program be held?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Before your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant opens, you and any operating manager must attend and complete to our satisfaction, an initial training program on the operation of a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, which currently lasts 24 days (6 days a week for 4 weeks). The initial training program will be at a restaurant owned by our affiliate in Chicago or other location determined by us. Certain portions of the initial training program may be adjusted or eliminated by us in our discretion based on your skills and experience. We expect to conduct initial training classes as needed. Although we do not charge a fee for the initial training program for up to 2 people, you will be responsible for all compensation, travel, lodging and other living expenses incurred by you and any manager attending training.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial training program for a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant will be held at a restaurant owned by Aw's affiliate in Chicago, or at another location determined by Aw. This training is mandatory for the franchisee and any operating manager before the restaurant opens.
The initial training program lasts for 24 days, with classes held 6 days a week for 4 weeks. Aw may adjust or eliminate certain portions of the training based on the franchisee's skills and experience. While Aw does not charge a fee for the initial training program for up to 2 people, the franchisee is responsible for all compensation, travel, lodging, and other living expenses incurred by themselves and any manager attending the training.
If Aw determines that the franchisee or approved owner is not qualified to manage a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant during the training program, they may require additional training or terminate the franchise agreement. Similarly, if a proposed operating manager is deemed unqualified, the franchisee can select and enroll a substitute manager in the training program for additional fees. The instructional material for the initial training program is currently the Operations Manual, and the instructor is Aw's founder, John Rayyan, with assistance from current managers of affiliate-owned restaurants for on-the-job training.