How many hours of classroom training are dedicated to Retail in the Bft initial training program?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
nitial Marketing Requirement will not count towards your Local Advertising Requirement and is not subject to the Marketing Expenditure Cap.
E. Training
Initial Training Program for Owner/Operator and/or Designated Manager
Prior to your Studio's Soft Opening, you must ensure that: (i) you (or, if you are an entity, your Operating Principal) completes our Owner/Operator Training Module to our satisfaction; and (ii) your Designated Manager (if appointed) attends and completes the Designated Manager Training Program to our satisfaction. While there is no specific deadline by which the training above must be completed, you (or, if you are an entity, your Operating Principal) and your Designated Manager (if appointed) must complete all of the training obligations prior to your Studio's Soft Opening. Training classes are not held on a regular schedule. We will schedule the program based on your and our availability and the projected opening date for your Studio. If you are purchasing an existing Studio, all required training must be completed prior to your takeover of the operations of the Studio.
In the event you are the owner of multiple Studios or otherwise wish to appoint a third-party individual to manage the day-to-day operations of your Studio, then that individual (a "Designated Manager") must (a) attend and complete at least the Designated Manager Training Module (and, if he/she wishes to provide the Approved Services, the Pre-Opening Instructor Training described below in this Item) to our satisfaction, and (b) otherwise be approved by us, before assuming any management responsibility at your Studio (Franchise Agreement, Sections 5.5 and 6.2).
We do not charge a tuition or training fee for you or your designated trainees (you or your Operating Principal and Designated Manager (if appropriate)) to attend the Initial Training Program, provided these individuals attend the Initial Training Program at the same time and otherwise complete such training prior to your Studio's Soft Opening. You will be responsible for the costs and expenses associated with these individuals attending our Initial Training Program (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.5). The Initial Training Program uses the Learning Management System and other written materials as training materials.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 37–50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 FDD, Bft's training program includes an Initial Training Program for the Owner/Operator and/or Designated Manager, as well as Pre-Opening Instructor Training. The FDD does not specify a particular number of hours dedicated to retail training within these programs.
While the FDD details the existence and requirements of these training programs, it does not break down the specific topics covered or the time allocated to each subject, such as retail operations. The Pre-Opening Instructor Training includes approximately 17 hours of online instruction and 16 hours of in-studio training, for a total of 33 hours, but the curriculum is not specified.
A prospective Bft franchisee should inquire with the franchisor about the specific content of the Initial Training Program and Pre-Opening Instructor Training, particularly regarding any retail-specific training modules. Understanding the focus and duration of retail training will help franchisees prepare for the sales and customer service aspects of operating a Bft studio.