What connectivity standards are required for a Carls Jr. franchise?
Carls Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
A Carl's Jr. Restaurant typically requires a Computer/POS System consisting of 4 POS terminals and 6 kitchen display monitors. You must purchase or lease PAR ES600 or PAR ES8500 terminals. These systems record customer transactions and collect and generate gross sales reports (including sales by categories) for the Franchised Restaurant. In addition, (i) you must purchase or lease Brink Kitchen Display
Systems and a back-office workstation as recommended by the software provider, and (ii) you must have met our required connectivity standards (currently, (a) Cisco Meraki Firewall/Router with Advanced Security License; (b) Cisco Meraki Wireless Access Points, Cisco Meraki 48 port switch; (c) highly reliable internet with auto-failure to LTE Backup; and (d)Wi-Fi for guests (if Internet speeds are fast enough to support it) and back of house operations. The hardware for the connectivity currently includes security appliance – Meraki MX68 w/Advanced Security License, wireless access Points – Meraki MR33, and managed switch – Meraki MS120. You are required to upgrade or update these systems and add or replace components during the term of the Franchise Agreement, and there is no contractual limitation on the frequency or cost of the obligation.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 41–54)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 FDD, a Carls Jr. restaurant requires specific connectivity standards to ensure reliable operation. These standards include a Cisco Meraki Firewall/Router with Advanced Security License, Cisco Meraki Wireless Access Points, and a Cisco Meraki 48 port switch.
Carls Jr. also mandates a highly reliable internet connection with auto-failure to LTE Backup. Furthermore, Wi-Fi for guests is required if internet speeds are sufficient to support it, along with back-of-house operations. The hardware specifications include a security appliance (Meraki MX68 w/Advanced Security License), wireless access points (Meraki MR33), and a managed switch (Meraki MS120).
Carls requires franchisees to upgrade or update these systems and add or replace components during the term of the Franchise Agreement. There is no contractual limitation on the frequency or cost of this obligation, meaning franchisees must be prepared for ongoing technology expenses to maintain compliance with Carls' standards. This is a common practice in franchising, as brands need to maintain consistent technology standards across all locations for operational efficiency and data security.