What are the responsibilities of the 'General Manager' for a Black Bear Diner franchise?

According to Black Bear Diner's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the General Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the franchised restaurant, devoting their full-time and best efforts to these tasks. If the franchisee is a business entity, Black Bear Diner may require that the General Manager be an owner, officer, or another individual selected by the franchisee.

The General Manager is required to attend the initial training program, which consists of approximately 320 hours of on-the-job training over eight weeks, supplemented by 15 to 30 hours of classroom and/or online training. This training covers practical aspects of running a Black Bear Diner, including food preparation, marketing, customer service, equipment maintenance, and using the point-of-sale system. The General Manager must complete this training to Black Bear Diner's satisfaction. If a franchisee hires a substitute General Manager after beginning operations, that substitute must complete the initial training program within 60 days of being hired and the franchisee is responsible for the training fee and all travel and living expenses.

Additionally, the General Manager, along with other designated restaurant personnel, may be required to attend additional training programs and seminars offered by Black Bear Diner from time to time. These sessions may cover new techniques, marketing, accounting, and general operating procedures. The franchisee bears the costs for these additional training programs, including travel, room, board, and salaries. Black Bear Diner may also sponsor an annual convention, the Black Bear Diner Franchise Convention, which the franchisee or General Manager (or an agreed-upon upper-level managerial employee) is required to attend for up to three days per year. Failure to attend this convention results in a $2,500 non-refundable fee.

These requirements ensure that the General Manager is well-prepared and continuously updated on Black Bear Diner's standards and operational procedures, which helps maintain the brand's reputation and consistency across all franchise locations. The franchisee's investment in training and the General Manager's active participation are crucial for the successful operation of the restaurant and adherence to Black Bear Diner's established system.