Where may the Benihana Initial Training take place?
Benihana Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- 4.2 BNC will provide to Franchisee BNC's then-current initial training program before Franchisee opens the Restaurant ("Initial Training"). The Initial Training provided by BNC will be subject to the terms set forth in Article 5 of this Agreement, and, unless otherwise specified by BNC, may take place in whole, or in part, at a location designated within the United States.
Franchisee agrees that a General Manager, Chief Chef, and Chief Sushi Chef, and all other persons required by BNC, will attend, participate in, and successfully complete Initial Training and In-Restaurant Training at locations designated by BNC, which Franchisee acknowledges may include locations within the United States of America.
- 5.4 All training programs will be at such times and places designated by BNC. If, at Franchisee's request, BNC in its discretion conducts Initial Training other than at BNC's principal office location, Franchisee will reimburse BNC for the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by BNC's training instructors, including but not limited to wages, travel expenses, food and lodging, and auto rental.
- 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.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 74–576)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Benihana's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Initial Training may take place in whole, or in part, at a location designated within the United States, unless otherwise specified by Benihana. Franchisees, along with their General Manager, Chief Chef, and Chief Sushi Chef, and any other personnel required by Benihana, must attend and successfully complete the Initial Training at locations designated by Benihana, which may include locations within the United States of America. Benihana also retains the discretion to conduct Initial Training at a location other than its principal office, in which case the franchisee is responsible for reimbursing Benihana's out-of-pocket expenses for the training instructors.
Benihana also offers ongoing training programs that franchisees and their employees are required to attend. These ongoing training sessions may be held at Benihana's principal place of business, at the franchisee's restaurant location, or at a designated Benihana restaurant. The franchisee is responsible for all expenses associated with ongoing training, including salaries, transportation, lodging, and meals for their employees. If Benihana conducts ongoing training at the franchisee's location, the franchisee must reimburse Benihana for the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the training instructors.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that they should be prepared to travel within the United States for the initial training program, and potentially for ongoing training as well. The franchisee will need to factor in travel and accommodation costs for themselves and their key personnel when budgeting for the franchise. It is also important to note that Benihana has the flexibility to change the location of the training programs, so franchisees should be prepared to adapt to these changes.