What training must be completed before opening an Aw Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant?
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.
If, we determine during a training program that you (or your approved Owner) are not qualified to manage a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, we can require you to attend and successfully
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, before opening a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, franchisees and their operating managers must attend and complete Aw's initial training program to the company's satisfaction. This training program currently lasts 24 days, with sessions held six days a week for four weeks. The training takes place at a restaurant owned by an Aw affiliate in Chicago or at another location designated by Aw.
Aw may adjust or eliminate certain portions of the initial training program based on the franchisee's or manager's existing skills and experience. While Aw does not charge a fee for the initial training program for up to two people, franchisees are responsible for covering all compensation, travel, lodging, and other living expenses incurred by themselves and any managers attending the training.
Furthermore, Aw may require franchisees or their approved owners to attend additional training if they are deemed unqualified to manage the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant after the initial program. In addition to the initial training, Aw will provide on-site start-up assistance and training to the franchisee, their manager, and employees at the restaurant for three days around the time of opening. Franchisees must also ensure their employees complete pre-opening training to Aw's satisfaction before commencing operations.