What does the Carls Jr. Development Guide contain regarding the construction of Franchised Restaurants?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
CJR will provide to Developer for the Development Term one copy of, or provide electronic access to, the Development Guide. The Development Guide contains mandatory specifications and standards relating to construction of Franchised Restaurants and information relating to Developer's other obligations under this Agreement. Developer agrees to comply fully with these obligations and mandatory specifications. The Development Guide may be supplemented or amended from time to time by letter, email, bulletin, construction standards manuals, software or other communications concerning the Carl's Jr. System to reflect changes in the image, specifications and standards relating to the development and construction of a Carl's Jr. Restaurant. Supplements or amendments to the Development Guide also may contain, among other matters, minimum standards and requirements for constructing, equipping and furnishing a Carl's Jr. Restaurant. CJR reserves the right to furnish all or part of the Development Guide to Developer in electronic form or online (including by Intranet) and establish terms of use for access to any restricted portion of CJR's web site. Developer shall keep its copy of the Development Guide current and up-to-date with all additions and deletions provided by CJR and shall purchase whatever equipment and related services (including, without limitation, a computer system, Internet service, dedicated phone line, etc.) as may be necessary to receive these communications. If a dispute relating to the contents of the Development Guide develops, the master copy maintained by CJR at its principal offices shall control.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 76–364)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, the Development Guide contains specifications and standards that are mandatory for the construction of franchised restaurants. Carls Jr. will provide the Development Guide to the developer, either as a physical copy or through electronic access, for the duration of the Development Term.
The Development Guide includes information about the developer's obligations under the Development Agreement. The developer must comply with all mandatory specifications outlined in the guide. Carls Jr. has the right to supplement or amend the Development Guide periodically through various communication methods, such as letters, emails, bulletins, construction standards manuals, or software updates. These updates reflect changes in the image, specifications, and standards for developing and constructing a Carls Jr. Restaurant.
These supplements or amendments may also include minimum standards and requirements for constructing, equipping, and furnishing a Carls Jr. Restaurant. Carls Jr. reserves the right to provide the Development Guide, either partially or entirely, in electronic form or online, potentially including access to restricted portions of its website, and will establish terms of use for accessing such content. The developer is responsible for keeping their copy of the Development Guide current with all updates provided by Carls Jr. and must acquire the necessary equipment and services to receive these communications. In case of any disputes regarding the contents of the Development Guide, the master copy maintained by Carls Jr. at its principal offices will be the controlling reference.