Does Carls Jr. accept electronic signatures on the Franchise Agreement, and are these signatures legally binding?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement by their duly authorized representatives.
CJR: CARL'S JR. RESTAURANTS LLC By: Print Name: Danell Caron Title: Vice President, Legal Date: FRANCHISEE: By: Print Name: Title:
Date:
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 75–76)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, there is no explicit mention of whether Carls Jr. accepts electronic signatures on the Franchise Agreement. The document includes a signature section at the end of the agreement, which implies a physical signature but does not exclude the possibility of electronic signatures.
Item 22 discusses various aspects of the franchise agreement, including franchisee obligations, lack of exclusivity, different agreement forms, and compliance with standards. It also includes an acknowledgment addendum, but this addendum does not apply to candidates located in specific franchise registration states. The FDD also states that the written agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties.
Because the FDD does not specify whether electronic signatures are accepted, prospective franchisees should directly ask Carls Jr. whether they permit electronic signatures and if those signatures are considered legally binding. This clarification is essential to ensure compliance with the franchisor's requirements and to avoid any potential legal issues related to the execution of the Franchise Agreement.