Is a Benihana franchisee required to provide training-related materials to its employees, even if the training is not face-to-face?

According to Benihana's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is responsible for providing all training-related materials to its employees, even for training formats that do not involve face-to-face instruction. This includes covering the expenses associated with these materials. These alternative training methods can include web-based programs, video conferencing, or any other form of training that does not require in-person interaction.

This requirement ensures that all Benihana employees receive standardized training, regardless of the delivery method. By mandating that franchisees provide these materials at their own expense, Benihana maintains consistency in training across all franchise locations without directly bearing the costs of materials for non-traditional training formats.

For a prospective Benihana franchisee, this means they need to budget for the cost of training materials for all employees, including those used in web-based or video conferencing training. This could include printed guides, online subscriptions, or other resources required for employees to complete their training. It is important to understand the scope and cost of these materials to accurately forecast expenses.