What equipment and services are Carls Jr. franchisees required to purchase to receive communications and updates to the Operation Procedures Manual (OPM)?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
CJR shall during the term of this Agreement provide Franchisee with electronic access to, CJR's confidential and proprietary OPM which contains information and knowledge that is unique, necessary and material to the System. (As used in this Agreement, the term "OPM" also includes all written or electronic correspondence from CJR regarding the System, other publications, materials, drawings, memoranda, and electronic media that CJR from time to time may provide to Franchisee.) The OPM may be supplemented or amended from time to time by letter, email, bulletin, software or other communications concerning the System to reflect changes in the image, specifications and standards relating to developing, equipping, furnishing and operating a Carl's Jr. Restaurant. CJR reserves the right to furnish all or part of the OPM to Franchisee in electronic form or online (including by Intranet) and establish terms of use for access to any restricted portion of CJR's web site. Franchisee shall keep its copy (wither a hardcopy or in electronic form) of the OPM current and up-to-date with all additions and deletions provided by or on behalf of CJR and shall purchase whatever equipment and related services (including, without limitation, computer system, Internet service and adequate bandwidth, dedicated phone line, etc.) as may be necessary to receive these communications. If a dispute relating to the contents of the OPM develops, the master copy maintained by CJR at its principal offices shall control.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 75–76)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must purchase the equipment and services necessary to receive electronic communications and updates to the Operations Procedures Manual (OPM). This includes, but is not limited to, a computer system, Internet service with adequate bandwidth, and a dedicated phone line. Carls Jr. may furnish all or part of the OPM to the franchisee in electronic form or online, including via the Intranet, and establish terms of use for access to any restricted portion of Carls Jr.'s website.
The OPM contains detailed standards, specifications, instructions, requirements, methods, and procedures for the management and operation of the franchised restaurant. It covers various aspects such as product selection, purchase, storage, preparation, employee training, marketing, maintenance, and accounting. Franchisees are obligated to operate in strict compliance with the OPM, maintain it at the restaurant, and treat it as confidential and proprietary.
Carls Jr. also requires franchisees to keep their copy of the OPM current with all additions and deletions provided by or on behalf of Carls Jr. If any dispute arises regarding the contents of the OPM, the master copy maintained by Carls Jr. at its principal offices will be the controlling reference. This ensures that all franchisees adhere to the most up-to-date standards and procedures set by Carls Jr.