What expenses are the franchisee responsible for during the Bens Soft Pretzels training program?
Bens_Soft_Pretzels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Training |### Training Program.
Before the start of your Store, we will provide five days of initial training on the operation of a Store for up to three people. Although there are no additional fees for this training, you must pay for all travel and living expenses which you and any of your employees incur in connection with training. You and your manager must pass the training program to our satisfaction. If you do not pass the training program, we can terminate your Franchise Agreement. We will not be liable to return any franchise fee or pay any costs or expenses you incur if we terminate your Franchise Agreement because you do not pass the training program. If you will operate a Mobile Store, you must also complete any training relating to mobile units that we require.
We expect that training will be conducted for you and your employee within one month preceding the opening of your store approximately three to eight months after you sign your Franchise Agreement. We plan to be flexible in scheduling training to accommodate our personnel, you and your personnel. There currently are no fixed (i.e., monthly or bimonthly) training schedules.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 23–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bens Soft Pretzels Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for covering their own travel and living expenses while attending the initial training program. This applies to both the franchisee and any employees attending the training. There are no additional fees for the training program itself.
This initial training occurs within one month after the Franchise Agreement is signed. The training lasts for five days and covers the operation of a Bens Soft Pretzels store for up to three people. The FDD states that both the franchisee and their manager must successfully complete the training program to the franchisor's satisfaction. Failure to do so could result in the termination of the Franchise Agreement.
In addition to the initial training, Bens Soft Pretzels may require franchisees to participate in refresher training, up to five days per calendar year. While there are no additional fees for these refresher programs, franchisees are responsible for all travel and living expenses associated with attending them. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, where the franchisor provides the training content, but the franchisee bears the cost of getting themselves and their staff to the training location.