Does the initial franchise fee for Carbones Pizzeria cover the cost of training?
Carbones_Pizzeria Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
a. Each owner of Franchisee along with all operations managers of Franchisee or others who have management responsibility for the operation of the Restaurant must successfully complete Franchisor's initial training program. The initial training program shall be at no additional cost to Franchisee. However, Franchisee is responsible for all costs and expenses of its owners and employees to attend such training. The initial training program must be completed prior to the opening of the Restaurant to the general public. The initial training program shall be held at a location or locations designated by Franchisor.
- b. Franchisor will also, during normal business hours, at times agreed to by Franchisor, advise and consult with Franchisee in connection with the operation and marketing of the Restaurant.
- c. Franchisor may, at its sole option, make available, and require, Franchisee's attendance at, additional training programs to instruct Franchisee and its staff at Franchisee's Restaurant on changes to the Carbone System. Franchisor may charge for this training. The cost for the training must be paid prior to attendance at the training. Franchisee shall be responsible for all costs and expenses of Franchisee's owners and employees to attend this training. Said training will be conducted at such location or locations as Franchisor shall designate. Franchisee or the representatives of Franchisee will receive no compensation or reimbursement from Franchisor for any services performed or expenses incurred by Franchisee or its representatives during any training period or seminar.
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD page 8)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carbones Pizzeria's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial franchise fee does not cover all training-related costs. While the initial training program itself is provided at no additional cost to the franchisee, the franchisee is responsible for covering all costs and expenses for their owners and employees to attend the training. This includes travel, accommodation, and any other personal expenses incurred during the training period. The initial training must be completed before the restaurant opens to the public and is held at a location designated by Carbones Pizzeria.
Carbones Pizzeria will also advise and consult with the franchisee during normal business hours regarding the operation and marketing of the restaurant. However, Carbones Pizzeria may, at its sole option, offer additional training programs to instruct franchisees and their staff on changes to the Carbone System, and may charge for this additional training. The cost for this training must be paid prior to attendance. Again, the franchisee is responsible for all costs and expenses for their owners and employees to attend this additional training.
This is a fairly standard arrangement in the franchise industry. Franchisors commonly cover the direct costs of the training program itself (instructors, materials, facility), but franchisees are almost universally required to pay for their own personnel's travel and living expenses. Prospective Carbones Pizzeria franchisees should budget accordingly, factoring in these additional costs when evaluating the overall investment required to start the franchise.