What is the deadline for a Carls Jr. franchisee to pay the Star University Access Fee?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Fee (1) | Amount | Due Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Cash Payment Systems | All costs associated with non-cash payment systems | As incurred | You must accept debit cards, credit cards, stored value gift cards or other non-cash payment systems specified by CJR to enable customers to purchase authorized products. |
| Additional Training Materials | Varies | As incurred | We have developed materials, such as audio visual aids, that you may purchase, at your option, for use in your Franchised Restaurant. |
| Star University Access Fee | Currently, $14 per Fiscal Period (currently a 4-week accounting period) | Within 21 days of receipt of invoice | This fee will provide you access to Star University, a required training tool for your Franchised Restaurant; Star University Learning Management System (LMS) for the administration, tracking and reporting of learning programs. You will be required to sign the Star University License Agreement (the current form is attached as Appendix I in Exhibit D). |
Source: Item 6 — Other Fees (FDD pages 28–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carls Jr.'s 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Star University Access Fee is currently $14 per fiscal period, which is defined as a 4-week accounting period. Franchisees are required to pay this fee within 21 days of receiving the invoice.
The Star University Access Fee provides franchisees with access to Star University, a required training tool for their franchised restaurant. It also includes access to the Star University Learning Management System (LMS) for administering, tracking, and reporting on learning programs. Carls Jr. requires franchisees to sign the Star University License Agreement, which is included as Appendix I in Exhibit D of the FDD.
Carls Jr. passes the entire fee to a third-party vendor to facilitate the training environment. While the fee is currently $14 per fiscal period, Carls Jr. retains the right to increase it in the future. However, the FDD states that Carls Jr. does not anticipate any annual increase to exceed 30%. This fee structure ensures that franchisees have continuous access to necessary training resources, with payment due shortly after invoicing.