Is a Benihana franchisee required to attend ongoing training programs?
Benihana Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- 5.5 Franchisee and other employees of Franchisee designated by BNC will also be required to attend continuing courses, seminars, and other training programs ("Ongoing Training") that BNC may require from time to time.
- 5.5.1 Ongoing Training may, in BNC's sole discretion, be held at either BNC's principal place of business, at the Restaurant, or at a designated BENIHANA Restaurant. Franchisee will be responsible for all expenses incurred in connection with Ongoing Training, including, without limitation, salaries or wages, transportation, lodging, and meals of Franchisee's employees.
- 5.5.2 If BNC agrees to conduct any Ongoing Training at the Location, Franchisee will reimburse BNC for the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by BNC's training instructors in providing such Ongoing Training, including but not limited to travel expenses, food and lodging, and auto rental.
- 5.6 Franchisee will provide to its employees, at Franchisee's expense, all training-related materials BNC may require in any other form, including web-based training, video-conferencing, or any other training that may be provided without face-to-face instruction.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 74–576)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Benihana's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees and their designated employees are required to attend continuing courses, seminars, and other training programs that Benihana may require from time to time, referred to as "Ongoing Training." Benihana has the sole discretion to decide when and where these Ongoing Training programs will be held, which may include Benihana's principal place of business, the franchisee's restaurant location, or another designated Benihana restaurant.
As a Benihana franchisee, you will be responsible for all expenses related to Ongoing Training. These expenses include salaries or wages, transportation, lodging, and meals for your employees attending the training. If Benihana agrees to conduct any Ongoing Training at the franchisee's restaurant location, the franchisee will also be required to reimburse Benihana for the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Benihana's training instructors. These expenses include travel, food, lodging, and auto rental.
In addition to face-to-face instruction, Benihana also requires franchisees to provide their employees with all training-related materials, at the franchisee's expense. This may include web-based training, video-conferencing, or any other training that may be provided without in-person instruction. This ensures that all employees are continuously updated on the Benihana system and standards, maintaining consistency across all franchise locations.