Is an applicant entitled to compensation or reimbursement for expenses incurred during Discovery Day or Training Programs with Carls Jr.?

According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, applicants and other individuals participating in Discovery Day and/or Training Programs are not considered employees or agents of CJR (Carls Jr.). As such, they are not entitled to any compensation, including salary, wages, or employee benefits, for their participation. This means that individuals attending these programs do so with the understanding that they will not be paid for their time or services.

Furthermore, the FDD explicitly states that applicants and other individuals will not receive any reimbursement for costs and expenses incurred as a result of their participation in Discovery Day and/or the Training Programs. This includes expenses such as travel, accommodation, meals, and any other costs associated with attending these events. The document emphasizes that applicants and other individuals waive any rights to damages, reimbursement of expenses or costs, and payment of any compensation related to their participation in these programs.

This policy is a standard practice in the franchise industry, where prospective franchisees are expected to bear their own costs during the evaluation and training phases. It is crucial for potential Carls Jr. franchisees to be aware of this policy and factor in these expenses when considering the franchise opportunity. Understanding this aspect of the agreement helps applicants make informed decisions about their investment and commitment to the Carls Jr. franchise.