Which Disclosure Document items cover the Carls Jr. franchisee's obligation to comply with standards and policies, including the Operating Manual?

According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee's obligation to comply with the brand's standards and policies, including adherence to the Operating Manual, is detailed within specific items of the disclosure document. Item 9 outlines franchisee obligations, and the table within this item cross-references particular obligations to sections in both the Franchise Agreement (FA) and Development Agreement (DA), as well as to specific items in the Disclosure Document itself.

Specifically, the obligation to comply with standards and policies, including the Operating Manual, is linked to Franchise Agreement Sections 6, 7, and 10, and Development Agreement Section 6. The Disclosure Document Items that provide further information on this obligation are Items 8 and 11.

This means that prospective Carls Jr. franchisees should carefully review Items 8 and 11 of the FDD to fully understand the scope of their responsibilities regarding compliance with Carls Jr.'s standards, policies, and operating procedures as described in the Operating Manual. These items likely contain details about the specific standards, how they are enforced, and the consequences of non-compliance. Understanding these obligations is crucial for the successful operation of a Carls Jr. franchise and to maintain a consistent brand experience for customers.