What are the hardware and internet requirements for using Star University for a Carls franchise, and who is responsible for these costs?
Carls Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
t to modify or waive the training required based on individual's or your experience. As described in Item 5, a fee is charged to provide the FMTP to additional individuals. The FMTP will include in-restaurant training at a Carl's Jr. Restaurant designated by us, classroom instruction and training at a designated training facility in Anaheim, CA or Franklin, TN, and online training.
In addition, we also provide you electronic access to our E-Learning management system called Star University. Star University is a web-based personal learning and training environment for the administration, tracking and reporting of learning programs. Currently, the fee associated with the use of this program is $14 per fiscal period (as defined by us, currently a 4-week accounting period), but we reserve the right to increase the fee in the future. In addition, you will be required to sign the Star University License Agreement (the curre
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 41–54)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Carls's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Star University is a web-based e-learning management system that requires certain hardware and high-speed internet access. Carls franchisees are responsible for all costs associated with the hardware and internet needed to access and use Star University.
Carls requires franchisees to use Star University as a training tool for their franchised restaurants. The fee for using Star University is currently $14 per fiscal period, which is defined by Carls as a 4-week accounting period. However, Carls retains the right to increase this fee in the future. While the fee is paid to Carls, the entire amount is passed on to a third-party vendor who helps facilitate the training environment.
In addition to the Star University requirements, Carls also mandates specific hardware and connectivity standards for the restaurant's Computer/POS system. These include a Cisco Meraki Firewall/Router with Advanced Security License, Cisco Meraki Wireless Access Points, a Cisco Meraki 48 port switch, highly reliable internet with auto-failure to LTE Backup, and Wi-Fi for guests and back-of-house operations. The hardware for connectivity includes a security appliance (Meraki MX68 w/Advanced Security License), wireless access points (Meraki MR33), and a managed switch (Meraki MS120). Franchisees are responsible for upgrading or updating these systems and components during the term of the Franchise Agreement, and there is no contractual limitation on the frequency or cost of this obligation.