What are the responsibilities of a Designated Manager for a Bft studio?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ing Principal) attends the Initial Training Program, Franchisor
may charge such individuals its then-current Training Fee. Franchisee may also designate a third-party individual that Franchisor approves to manage the day-to-day operations of the Studio (a "Designated Manager"), but any such individual must at least complete the Designated Manager Module of the Initial Training Program prior to assuming any management responsibilities at the Studio (with Franchisee paying the Training Fees associated therewith, if any). If Franchisee is acquiring and assuming an existing BFT Studio from another System franchisee, it will be required to pay Franchisor's then-current Training Fee for persons required to attend Franchisor's Initial Training Program as necessary to satisfy the requirements of this Section.
- B. Designated Manager; Designated Manager Training Program. If Franchisee (or one of its Operating Principals) is not or does not intend to be on-site at the Studio during normal business hours to manage the day-to-day operations of its Studio (including, for example, where Franchisee owns or is affiliated with owners of multiple open BFT Studios), then Franchisee must appoint a "Designated Manager" for the Studio who will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of, and only for, the Studio. Each Designated Manager must attend and complete, to Franchisor's satisfaction, Franchisor's designated manager training program prior to assuming the Designated Manager responsibilities (the "Designated Manager Training Program"). Franchisor does not charge a Training Fee for Franchisee's initial Designated Manager's participation in the Designated Manager Training Program.
- C. Pre-Opening Instructor Training for Initial and Subsequent Instructors.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 79–265)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a Designated Manager is required if the franchisee (or one of its operating principals) will not be on-site at the studio during normal business hours to manage day-to-day operations. This is common if a franchisee owns or is affiliated with multiple open Bft studios. The Designated Manager is responsible for the daily operation of only that specific Bft studio.
Prior to assuming their responsibilities, the Designated Manager must complete Bft's Designated Manager Training Program to the franchisor's satisfaction. Bft does not charge a training fee for the initial Designated Manager's participation in this program. However, if Bft determines that the franchisee is not operating the studio according to the franchise agreement or the Learning Management System, Bft may require the Designated Manager to attend up to five additional days of remedial training, for which Bft may charge a training fee.
In practical terms, this means that if a Bft franchisee cannot be present at their studio to oversee operations, they must appoint someone who has been properly trained and approved by Bft. This ensures that the studio is run according to Bft's standards, even when the franchisee is not directly involved. The franchisee needs to factor in the time and potential costs associated with the Designated Manager's training, especially if remedial training is required.