According to Carls's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Item 9 outlines a franchisee's principal obligations under both the Franchise Agreement (FA) and the Development Agreement (DA). This item serves as a roadmap, directing franchisees to specific sections within these agreements and other relevant items within the disclosure document itself for more comprehensive details.

The table provided in Item 9 categorizes these obligations, offering a structured overview. For instance, it covers site selection and acquisition/lease terms, referencing Section 3 of the Franchise Agreement and Sections 3-5 of the Development Agreement, as well as Items 7 and 11 of the disclosure document. Similarly, pre-opening purchases/leases are addressed, pointing to FA Sections 3-5, DA Sections 3-6, and Items 7 and 8.

This format extends across a range of obligations, including site development, training, opening procedures, fees, compliance, trademarks, product restrictions, warranties, territorial development, ongoing purchases, maintenance, insurance, advertising, indemnification, management, records, inspections, transfer, renewal, post-termination duties, non-competition, and dispute resolution. Each obligation is cross-referenced to specific sections in the Franchise Agreement, the Development Agreement (if applicable), and relevant items in the Disclosure Document, allowing prospective Carls franchisees to easily navigate and understand their responsibilities.

By using this table, prospective franchisees can efficiently locate detailed information about each obligation. For example, if a franchisee wants to understand the obligations related to advertising, the table directs them to FA Section 5 and Appendix C, as well as Items 6 and 11 of the disclosure document. This structured approach ensures that franchisees can readily access and comprehend the full scope of their duties and responsibilities under the Carls franchise system.