Who is required to complete the Initial Training Program for a Bft franchise?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee (or the Operating Principal if the franchisee is an entity) and the Designated Manager (if one is appointed) are required to complete the Initial Training Program. This training must be completed before the Bft studio's soft opening. If a franchisee is purchasing an existing studio, the training must be completed prior to taking over operations.
The Initial Training Program consists of the Owner/Operator Training Module and the Designated Manager Training Module. Bft typically provides this training within 30 days before the studio opening, subject to the availability of their training personnel. The training takes place at Bft's corporate headquarters or another designated training facility, potentially conducted virtually.
Bft does not charge a tuition or training fee for the franchisee (or their Operating Principal) and Designated Manager to attend the Initial Training Program, provided they attend at the same time and complete the training before the studio's soft opening. However, the franchisee is responsible for covering the costs and expenses associated with these individuals attending the training program. The Initial Training Program utilizes the Learning Management System and other written materials as training resources.