If a franchisee is exempt from attending the Bonchon Initial Training Program or Partner Training Program, what training requirements still apply?
Bonchon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, if you and we are parties to an Area Development Agreement and you have previously opened two Restaurants pursuant to two separate unit franchise agreements, then neither you nor any Operating Principal will have the obligation or the right to attend an additional Initial Training Program or Partner Training Program (as applicable). However, at least two (2) people – a General Manager and an assistant or other named manager – must complete the Initial Training Program to our satisfaction and both persons must intend to work in the Restaurant on a full-time basis.
If this Agreement is for your (or your affiliates', collectively with you) third Bonchon Business, then you must designate an Area Manager to us in writing. Your Area Manager will oversee the operation of each Bonchon Restaurant that you or your affiliates own and operate. Your Area Manager must have first attended, received and hold a current Bonchon approved nationally accredited food manager certification from the National Restaurant Association in addition to any safe food handling courses required by the local municipality in which your Restaurant is located. Once your Area Manager has received his/her Bonchon approved nationally accredited food manager certification, then he/she must attend and successfully complete the Initial Training Program (and such additional training that we may require) at no cost to you prior to the opening of your third Bonchon Restaurant. While we will not charge you the cost to train your Area Manager, you must pay all of the expenses incurred by your Area Manager in attending the Initial Training Program and such other training that we may require (including, without limitation, their salaries, travel costs, meals, lodging and other living expenses).
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 92–536)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bonchon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, even if a franchisee is exempt from the Initial Training Program or Partner Training Program under specific conditions, there are still training requirements that must be met. This exemption applies if the franchisee already operates two Bonchon restaurants under separate franchise agreements. However, even with this exemption, at least two individuals, specifically a General Manager and an assistant or another named manager, must successfully complete the Initial Training Program. These individuals must also intend to work full-time at the Bonchon restaurant.
Furthermore, if the franchise agreement is for a franchisee's third Bonchon Business, they must designate an Area Manager who will oversee the operations of all Bonchon restaurants owned and operated by the franchisee and their affiliates. This Area Manager must first obtain a Bonchon-approved nationally accredited food manager certification, in addition to any safe food handling courses required by the local municipality. After obtaining this certification, the Area Manager is required to attend and successfully complete the Initial Training Program, along with any additional training that Bonchon may require.
These stipulations ensure that even experienced franchisees maintain a high standard of operational knowledge and food safety across all their Bonchon locations. The cost for training the Area Manager is not charged by Bonchon, but the franchisee is responsible for covering all expenses incurred by the Area Manager during training, including salaries, travel, meals, and lodging. This ensures that all Bonchon restaurants, regardless of the franchisee's experience, have adequately trained personnel in key management positions.