Is a Carls franchisee allowed to display any sign, logo, or advertising media at the Franchised Location that Carl's Jr. objects to?
Carls Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
all hire, and at all times employ, a sufficient number of trained employees for the Franchised Restaurant and be exclusively responsible for the terms of their employment and compensation, and for the proper training of such employees in the operation of the Franchised Restaurant, in human resources and customer relations. Franchisee shall establish at the Franchised Restaurant a training program for all employees that meets the standards prescribed by CJR. Franchisee will be solely responsible for: (1) hiring, training and supervising efficient, competent and courteous employees of good character for the operation of the Franchised Restaurant; (2) the terms of their employment and compensation; and (3) the proper training of the employees in the operation of the Franchised Restaurant.
Franchisee shall employ only suitable persons of good character and reputation who will at all times conduct themselves in a competent and courteous manner in accordance with the image and reputation of CJR and the System and, while on duty, comply with the dress attire, personal appearance and hygiene standards set forth in the OPM. Franchisee shall use its best efforts to ensure that Franchisee's employees maintain a neat and clean appearance and render competent and courteous service to all customers and fellow employees of the Franchised Restaurant.
I. Signs and Logos
Subject to local ordinances, Franchisee shall prominently display in and upon the land and buildings of the Franchised Restaurant interior and exterior signs and logos using the name "Carl's Jr.", without any
prefix or suffix, and those other names, marks, advertising signs and logos, of such nature, form, color, number, location and size, and containing that material as CJR may from time to time direct. Franchisee shall not display in or upon the Franchised Location any sign, logo or advertising media of any kind to which CJR objects.
**J.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 80)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Carls FDD, a franchisee is not allowed to display any sign, logo, or advertising media at the Franchised Location that Carls objects to. The franchisee must prominently display interior and exterior signs and logos using the name "Carl's Jr.", without any prefix or suffix, and other advertising signs and logos of such nature, form, color, number, location, and size, and containing that material as Carls may from time to time direct.
Carls requires franchisees to use only fixtures, furnishings, equipment, and signs that Carls has approved for Carl's Jr. Restaurants as meeting its specifications and standards for quality, design, appearance, function, and performance. Franchisees must also place or display at the Franchised Restaurant (interior and exterior) only those signs, emblems, lettering, logos, and display materials that Carls approves in writing from time to time.
If a franchisee proposes to purchase, lease, or otherwise use any fixtures, furnishings, equipment, or signs which have not been approved by Carls, the franchisee must first notify Carls in writing and submit specifications, photographs, drawings, or other information or samples for a determination as to whether those items comply with Carls's specifications and standards. Carls will, in its sole discretion, approve or disapprove the items and notify the franchisee within 30 days after Carls receives the request, or such longer period as Carls requires.