What mandatory and optional training programs does Buona make available to franchisees?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
see and to assist in the operation of the Franchised Business as Franchisee deems appropriate in its business judgment. Franchisee must comply with all mandatory specifications, standards, and procedures set forth in the Manual. Franchisor retains the right to modify, change, add to, delete, or supplement the Manual and to specify other systems, procedures or forms in any manner it deems necessary, in its sole discretion, and shall notify Franchisee about changes in writing by mail, electronic mail or postings on Franchisor's intranet system or website on the internet. Upon receipt of notice of changes to the Manual, Franchisee must comply with any such changes that are mandatory.
VIII. TRAINING
- 8.1 Training Generally. Before Franchisee opens the Franchised Business, and from time to time thereafter, Franchisor will make available to Franchisee various mandatory 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, Franchisor 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, Buona offers both mandatory and optional training programs to its franchisees. Before opening their franchise, franchisees must complete all mandatory training programs. The franchisee, as the owner, is responsible for training their own employees.
The mandatory training includes initial training, where the Operating Owner and three managers must attend and successfully complete Buona's initial training program, including virtual pre-training. The length of the training is determined by Buona and may depend on the attendees' prior experience. Buona also provides on-site training and opening assistance to the franchisee, their managers, and employees before and after the franchise opens. The length of on-site training is determined by Buona. Franchisees must also comply with any supplemental training, seminars, regional franchise meetings, or webinars that Buona may require, for up to five days each calendar year, and attend any mandatory national, regional, or local conferences.
Optional training includes additional initial or ongoing training beyond what is normally provided, which Buona may provide at its discretion upon the franchisee's request. Franchisees should note that Buona retains the right to modify the training programs and manuals, and franchisees must comply with any mandatory changes. Franchisees are responsible for all expenses, including travel, meals, lodging, and employee wages, associated with attending training programs, seminars, and meetings. Additionally, franchisees must pay a non-refundable on-site training fee deposit of $20,000 upon the execution of the franchise agreement.