Can Black Bear Diner require franchisees to attend training at a franchisee-owned 'Training Restaurant'?
Black_Bear_Diner Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We conduct an initial training program which you and your general manager, if applicable, and assistant manager(s) must attend and complete to our satisfaction prior to beginning operation of the Franchised Restaurant. Under certain circumstances, for example, you are currently a multiunit operator or your personnel have been previously trained by us, and you receive our preapproval then we may waive the initial training program or certain aspects of it. The instructional material for initial training program is primarily on-the-job and conducted over approximately 8 weeks and is for approximately 320 hours as described in the chart below. We supplement on-the-job training with approximately 15-30 hours of classroom and interactive, online training modules which we refer to as "Bears in the Know." Except for the Grand Opening Module which is conducted over 14 consecutive days, training is typically conducted on Wednesday through Sunday as described in the chart below. We provide training at one or more of our company owned Black Bear Diner restaurants which we determine. In the future, we may certify certain franchisee-owned Black Bear Diner restaurants that meet our requirements as "Training Restaurant(s)." If so, you may be required to attend and complete training to our satisfaction at a Training Restaurant.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 28–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Black Bear Diner's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, initial training is primarily on-the-job and conducted over approximately 8 weeks for approximately 320 hours. This is supplemented with 15-30 hours of classroom and interactive, online training modules. Training is typically conducted Wednesday through Sunday, except for the Grand Opening Module, which is conducted over 14 consecutive days. Currently, Black Bear Diner provides training at one or more of its company-owned restaurants.
However, the FDD states that Black Bear Diner may certify certain franchisee-owned restaurants as "Training Restaurant(s)" in the future if they meet the brand's requirements. If this occurs, franchisees may be required to attend and complete training at a Training Restaurant to the franchisor's satisfaction.
This means that while initial training currently takes place at company-owned locations, Black Bear Diner retains the right to shift training to qualified franchisee-owned restaurants in the future. Prospective franchisees should inquire about the criteria for becoming a certified Training Restaurant and the potential implications for their operations if their restaurant is selected.