If I only own one Burger King restaurant, what additional role must the Restaurant Manager fulfill?
Burger_King Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In either case, your Restaurant must be staffed at all times with a sufficient number of trained employees including at least one restaurant manager who has successfully completed our training program as described in Item 11 to ensure that our operational standards are met and who is responsible for the direct, on-premises supervision of the Restaurant. If you only own one BURGER KING Restaurant, the Restaurant Manager must also be the Operating Partner or Managing Owner (as applicable).
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD pages 78–80)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Burger King's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee owns only one Burger King restaurant, the Restaurant Manager is required to also be the Operating Partner or Managing Owner, as applicable. This requirement ensures direct, on-premises supervision of the restaurant.
For individual/owner-operator franchisees, the Restaurant Manager must also be the Operating Partner. The Operating Partner must meet Burger King's qualifications, complete their training program, participate personally in the direct operation of the restaurant, live near the restaurant, and devote full time and best efforts to the day-to-day operation of the restaurant. The Operating Partner cannot have operational or management commitments in other businesses (except other Burger King restaurants) and must retain a minimum of 50% equity ownership in the business, including profits.
For entity franchisees, the Restaurant Manager must also be the Managing Owner. The Managing Owner must be approved by Burger King, have the authority to bind the franchisee, direct actions necessary for compliance with the MOD Manual, Franchise Agreement, lease, and other agreements, and own at least 25% or more of the franchisee. The Managing Owner must devote full time efforts to the direct supervision of the day-to-day operations of the restaurant and cannot have operational or management commitments in other restaurant businesses. These requirements ensure that the owner is actively involved in the daily operations and management of their Burger King restaurant.