What expenses related to Buona's initial training are the responsibility of the franchisee?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
tory and optional training programs. Franchisee must timely complete all mandatory training as set forth in this Article VIII. Franchisee acknowledges that, as the owner of the Franchised Business, Franchisee is responsible for the training of its employees.
- 8.2 Initial Training. The Operating Owner and three (3) managers must attend and successfully complete Franchisor's initial training program, including virtual pre-training to be completed prior to attending the in-person initial training program. The length of training will be determined at Franchisor's discretion and may be dependent upon the prior experience of the attendees. The cost of Initial Training for both the Operating Owner and managers (instruction and required materials) is borne by Franchisor. All other expenses, including travel, meals and lodging and Franchisee's employee wages, are the responsibility of Franchisee. Additional owners and managers may attend the initial training program as space is available and for the current tuition fee. The initial training program will be furnished at Franchisor's offices or other locations designated by Franchisor.
If, during the initial training program, Franchisor determines, in its sole discretion, that Franchisee's Operating Owner did not successfully complete the initial training, Franchisee has the right to require the Operating Owner to attend and successfully complete additional training or to require a different owner to be designated Operating Owner to attend and successfully complete training, and/or Franchisor has the right to terminate this Agreement, effective upon delivery of written notice thereof to Franchisee.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 78–356)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the cost of initial training for the Operating Owner and three managers, including instruction and required materials, is covered by Buona. However, the franchisee is responsible for all other expenses. These expenses include travel, meals, lodging, and employee wages for the franchisee and their managers during the initial training program.
Buona may also offer additional initial or ongoing training beyond what is normally provided. If a franchisee requests and Buona provides this additional training, the franchisee must pay Buona's current training fees, as well as any travel and living expenses incurred by Buona's representative if they need to travel to the franchisee's location to conduct the training.
Furthermore, the franchisee is responsible for paying a non-refundable on-site training fee deposit of $20,000 upon the execution of the franchise agreement. The balance of the on-site training fee is due upon completion of the on-site training, as determined by Buona, and is also non-refundable. This fee covers the on-site training and opening assistance provided by Buona representatives prior to and immediately following the opening of the franchised business. The franchisee also pays the then-current daily fee for each of Buona's representatives providing the on-site training, plus their travel expenses.