Is there an additional cost to the franchisee for Carbones Pizzeria's initial training program itself?
Carbones_Pizzeria Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
e under applicable law.
f. Franchisee shall participate in soft drink group buying and advertising programs whereby Franchisor may enter into agreements relating to the sale of soft drink products to be sold by Franchisee and other franchisees. Franchisee shall also participate in any other group buying programs required by Franchisor.
7. Training.
- 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.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 30–116)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carbones Pizzeria's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial training program is provided at no additional cost to the franchisee. However, the franchisee is responsible for covering all costs and expenses associated with their owners and employees attending the training. This includes expenses like travel, accommodation, meals, and wages for the trainees. The initial training must be completed before the Carbones Pizzeria restaurant opens to the public and will be held at a location designated by Carbones Pizzeria.
Carbones Pizzeria may also offer additional training programs to instruct franchisees and their staff on changes to the Carbone System. Carbones Pizzeria may charge for these additional training programs, and payment is required before attendance. Similar to the initial training, the franchisee is responsible for all costs and expenses for their owners and employees to attend any additional training.
This arrangement is fairly typical in the franchise industry. While the franchisor provides the training program itself, it is common for franchisees to bear the costs of sending their personnel to the training location. This ensures that the franchisee has a vested interest in ensuring their staff is well-trained while allowing the franchisor to focus on delivering the training content.