Who is responsible for hiring, disciplining, and discharging employees at a Bft franchise?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee, not Franchisor, shall be considered the employer of all employees and the principal of all independent contractors of the Studio. It is the sole responsibility of Franchisee to hire, discipline, discharge and establish wages, hours, benefits, employment policies and other terms and conditions of employment for its employees and independent contractors. Franchisee is solely responsible for obtaining its own independent legal advice regarding the employment of employees and retention of independent contractors, and for complying with any and all Applicable Laws pertaining thereto. Franchisor shall have no responsibility for the terms and conditions of Franchisee's relationship with Franchisee's employees and/or independent contractors. Franchisee shall engage in no discriminatory employment practices and shall in every way comply with all Applicable Laws, including all wage-hour, civil rights, immigration, employee safety and related employment and payroll related laws. Franchisee shall make all necessary filings with, and pay all taxes and fees due to, the Internal Revenue Service and all other federal, state and local governmental agencies or entities to which filings and payments are required. Franchisee acknowledges that nothing in this Section or Agreement shall, or may be construed to, create any type of employer or joint employer relationship between (a) Franchisee or any of Franchisee's personnel, and (b) Franchisor in any matter.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 79–265)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is solely responsible for all employment-related decisions at their studio. This includes hiring, disciplining, and discharging employees and independent contractors. The franchisee is also responsible for establishing wages, hours, benefits, employment policies, and other terms and conditions of employment.
This means that as a Bft franchisee, you have complete control over your staff but also bear full responsibility for all employment-related legal compliance. Bft has no responsibility for the terms and conditions of your relationship with your employees or independent contractors. You must also ensure that your employment practices are non-discriminatory and comply with all applicable laws, including wage-hour, civil rights, immigration, and employee safety laws.
Furthermore, the FDD emphasizes that nothing in the franchise agreement should be construed to create any employer or joint employer relationship between Bft and the franchisee or the franchisee's personnel. This reinforces the franchisee's independent contractor status and their sole responsibility for employment matters. It is recommended that franchisees seek independent legal advice regarding employment law to ensure full compliance.