factual

What data processing equipment and computer hardware must a Carls Jr. franchisee obtain and install?

Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

You must obtain and install data processing equipment, computer hardware, required dedicated telephone and power lines, high speed Internet connections, modems, printers and other computer related accessory or peripheral equipment as we may specify in the OPM or otherwise in writing ("Computer/POS System"), as further explained in Item 11. Current approved vendors for technology components of the Computer/POS System are PAR Tech, Inc., CrunchTime, QSR Automations, Xenial Xpient (4.0 or higher) and Meraki. Currently, you must use either the PAR Brink (and CrunchTime) POS software or the Xenial Xpient (4.0 or higher) POS software in operating your Franchised Restaurant. You must utilize any

proprietary software program, system documentation manuals and other proprietary materials provided by us in connection with the operation of the Franchised Restaurant. When we provide proprietary software, we may require that you execute one or more standard form software license or similar agreements and input and maintain in your computer the software programs, data and information as we prescribe. You must purchase from us, at prices and upon terms that we determine, the proprietary software programs, manuals and/or computer-related materials whenever we decide to use new or upgraded programs, manuals and/or materials throughout the Carl's Jr. System. Except as described in Items 6 and 11 with respect to the Digital Tech Fee, Star University Access Fee and Software Support Fee, there are currently no payments to be made to us in connection with these items. You must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard ("PCI-DSS") at all times and engage any vendor that we may designate to ensure the security of your data and compliance with PCI-DSS. You must maintain continuous PCI compliance and must attest this to us annually by providing us with a completed and signed PCI Attestation of Compliance.

You must also participate in any online ordering/delivery and loyalty programs that we may establish from time to time with approved vendors and you must comply with the rules and participation criteria applicable to these programs, including our loyalty program. We have currently designated OLO as the sole software platform provider for our online ordering program, Punchh as the sole software platform for our loyalty program, and have partnered with designated service providers for our delivery program. Under our online ordering/delivery programs, we require you to accept and process specific customer delivery orders and we require you to use all approved third-party delivery service providers, currently Uber Eats, Door Dash, and GrubHub if those delivery service providers operate in your restaurant's serviceable area. We must pre-approve all delivery service providers not already designated as approved under our delivery program. In addition, we must pre-approve all sales recording processes that originate from the delivery service providers. We have the right to modify the participation criteria or discontinue these initiates at any time upon written notice to you. See also Item 11.

Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 37–41)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain and install specific data processing equipment and computer hardware. This includes a Computer/POS System, which encompasses computer hardware, dedicated telephone and power lines, high-speed Internet connections, modems, printers, and other related accessories. The specifications for this system are detailed in the Operations Procedures Manual (OPM) or provided in writing by Carls Jr. Franchisees are required to use either PAR Brink (and CrunchTime) POS software or Xenial Xpient (4.0 or higher) POS software.

Carls Jr. also mandates the use of proprietary software programs, system documentation manuals, and other proprietary materials provided by them for operating the franchised restaurant. Franchisees may be required to execute software license agreements and maintain specific software programs, data, and information as prescribed by Carls Jr. New or upgraded programs, manuals, and materials must be purchased from Carls Jr. at prices they determine.

Furthermore, Carls Jr. franchisees must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) and engage designated vendors to ensure data security and PCI-DSS compliance. Continuous PCI compliance must be maintained and attested to Carls Jr. annually through a completed and signed PCI Attestation of Compliance. Franchisees must also participate in any online ordering/delivery and loyalty programs established by Carls Jr. with approved vendors, adhering to all applicable rules and participation criteria. Currently, OLO is the designated software platform provider for online ordering, and Punchh is the platform for the loyalty program. Approved third-party delivery service providers, such as Uber Eats, Door Dash, and GrubHub, must be used if they operate in the restaurant's serviceable area, and all delivery service providers not already approved must be pre-approved by Carls Jr.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.