According to Bojangles, what relationship exists between Bojangles and the franchisee's employees?
Bojangles Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The parties agree that Franchisor shall not be deemed a joint employer with Franchisee for any reason.
If Franchisor incurs any cost, expense, loss, or damage as a result of any actions or omissions of Franchisee or Franchisee's employees, including any that relate to any party making a finding of any joint employer status, Franchisee will fully indemnify Franchisor for such cost, expense, loss, or damage.
Franchisee shall take such steps as are necessary to ensure that its employees preserve good customer relations, wear uniforms of such color, design and other specifications as Franchisor may designate from time to time, present a neat and clean appearance, and render competent and courteous service to Restaurant customers.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 82)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bojangles' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bojangles is not considered a joint employer with the franchisee. The franchisee is solely responsible for the actions and omissions of their employees. This means the franchisee bears the full responsibility for managing their employees and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
To maintain brand standards, Bojangles requires franchisees to ensure their employees maintain good customer relations, wear designated uniforms, present a neat and clean appearance, and provide competent and courteous service. These requirements are part of Bojangles' effort to ensure consistent customer experience across all franchise locations.
Furthermore, if Bojangles incurs any costs, expenses, losses, or damages due to the actions or omissions of the franchisee or their employees, including any findings of joint employer status, the franchisee must fully indemnify Bojangles. This underscores the importance of the franchisee's role in managing their employees effectively and in compliance with all legal and brand standards. Franchisees must also ensure their employees receive the training Bojangles requires.