What is the deadline for Carls Jr. to advise a franchisee in writing whether a particular site has been accepted?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ection guidelines and, as you may request, a reasonable amount of consultation with respect thereto; and (B) such on-site evaluation as we may deem advisable as part of our evaluation of your request for site acceptance. (Development Agreement, § 5.B and Franchise Agreement § 4.B.)
- 2. We will advise you in writing within 45 days after receipt of all documents that we require whether we have accepted a particular site; however, we have no obligation to review any development proposal if you or your affiliates are not in full compliance with all agreements with us or our affiliates. If we do not respond within that time period, we will be deemed not to have accepted the site. (Development Agreement, § 5.D and Franchise Agreement § 4.D.)
- 3. Provide you with any training we require. (Development Agreement, § 5.F.; Franchise Agreement, §6.A. & 6.I.)
- 4. Provide you electronic access to CJR's Development Guide and OPM, which contain mandatory specifications and standards relating to construction of Carl's Jr.
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, there are two different deadlines for the franchisor to respond regarding site acceptance, depending on the agreement in place. Under the standard Franchise Agreement, Carls Jr. will advise the franchisee in writing within 45 days after receipt of all required documents whether they have accepted a particular site. However, Carls Jr. has no obligation to review any development proposal if the franchisee or its affiliates are not in full compliance with all agreements with Carls Jr. or its affiliates. If Carls Jr. does not respond within that 45-day time period, the site will be deemed not to have been accepted.
However, the FDD also states that within 30 days after receipt of the required documents, Carls Jr. will advise the franchisee in writing whether they have accepted a particular site. This 30-day deadline also stipulates that Carls Jr. has no obligation to review any development proposal if the franchisee or its affiliates are not in full compliance with all agreements with CJR or its affiliates, and if Carls Jr. does not respond within that time period, they will be deemed not to have accepted the site.
It is important to note that Carls Jr.'s acceptance or refusal to accept a site may be subject to reasonable conditions as determined in their sole discretion. The FDD also clarifies that Carls Jr.'s acceptance of a site does not represent or promise any specific sales volume or profitability for the Franchised Restaurant at that location. A prospective franchisee should clarify with Carls Jr. which deadline applies to their specific agreement and ensure they understand all conditions attached to site acceptance.