What is the current fee for using Star University (StarU) for a Carls Jr. franchise, and to whom is it paid?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ht 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 restaurant training at a Carl's Jr. Restaurant designated by us and training on Star University (StarU), our online Learning Management System.
In addition, we also provide you with access to our Learning Management System called Star University (StarU). Star University is a management platform which is used for the administration, tracking and reporting of learning and development 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 current form is attached as Appendix I to the Fran
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 42–55)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to use Star University (StarU), which is an online Learning Management System. The current fee for using StarU is $14 per fiscal period, which Carls Jr. defines as a 4-week accounting period. However, Carls Jr. retains the right to increase this fee in the future. Franchisees are also required to sign the Star University License Agreement.
The $14 fee is paid to Carls Jr., but the entire amount is then passed on to a third-party vendor. This vendor helps facilitate the training environment provided by StarU. Franchisees are responsible for the costs associated with the high-speed internet and hardware required to use Star University.
Star University is a mandatory training tool for all Carls Jr. franchised restaurants. This means that franchisees must budget for this ongoing expense and ensure they have the necessary technical infrastructure in place. The potential for fee increases in the future also means franchisees should factor in some flexibility in their financial planning to accommodate potential changes to the cost of using StarU.