Does Aw provide on-site start-up assistance and training at the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In addition to the initial training program described above, we will send one of our representatives to your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant for 3 days around the time of opening to provide on-site assistance and additional training to you, any manager and your employees for no additional fee. (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.2)
If you want to have more than 2 owners and managers trained by us when you attend the initial training program or if you want to send new or additional managers to training after you attend the initial training program, we will provide this training for a fee provided training space is available. You are responsible for all travel and living expenses and wages incurred by your managers who attend training. (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.1)
We may offer and we may require you (or your approved Owner) and any manager to attend supplemental training, seminars, programs, regional franchise meeting and/or webinars during the term of the franchise at times and places we designate. We have the right to charge you a tuition fee for these programs and you will be responsible for your and your managers' travel and living expenses. (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.2)
We may hold an Annual Conference of franchisees. You (or your approved Owner) and/or your operating manager must attend the Annual Conference. You must pay us the Annual Conference registration fee even if you fail to attend. You must pay the travel and living expenses you and any manager incur in attending the Annual Conference. However, we are not obligated to conduct an Annual Conference.
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, Aw will provide on-site start-up assistance and training at your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant. Specifically, Aw will send a representative to the franchisee's restaurant for 3 days around the time of opening. This on-site assistance includes additional training for the franchisee, their manager, and employees. There is no additional fee for this on-site assistance.
Prior to the restaurant opening, Aw also provides an initial training program that currently lasts 24 days (6 days a week for 4 weeks). This initial training takes place at a restaurant owned by an Aw affiliate in Chicago or another location determined by Aw. The franchisee and any operating manager must attend and complete this initial training program to Aw's satisfaction.
The initial training program's instructional material is currently the Operations Manual, and the instructor is Aw's founder, John Rayyan. Current managers of affiliate-owned restaurants may also assist in on-the-job training. While there is no 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 them and any manager attending the training.