Is a Carls Jr. franchisee required to conduct initial and continuing training programs for its employees?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
CJR shall provide Franchisee and those employees hired by Franchisee to fill certain designated positions the Franchise Management Training Program ("FMTP") in the operation of a Carl's Jr. Restaurant at those times and those places designated by CJR. The FMTP will include training at a Carl's Jr. Restaurant
designated by CJR and training on Star University (StarU), our online Learning Management System. Franchisee, the General Manager, a minimum of 6 Shift Leaders and any other employees hired by Franchisee to fill certain designated positions shall attend and satisfactorily complete each element of the FMTP, specified by CJR. Franchisee's Operating Principal (as defined in Section 16.G.) also shall attend and satisfactorily complete each element of the FMTP if not previously completed. CJR reserves the right to modify or waive the training required based on an individual's or Franchisee's experience.
- (c) Franchisee and its employees at the Franchised Restaurant shall be in compliance with CJR's then-current training requirements.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 75–76)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to ensure that they and their employees complete the Franchise Management Training Program (FMTP). The FMTP includes training at a designated Carls Jr. Restaurant and on Star University (StarU), the online Learning Management System.
The franchisee, the General Manager, a minimum of 6 Shift Leaders, and any other employees hired to fill designated positions must attend and satisfactorily complete each element of the FMTP as specified by Carls Jr. The franchisee's Operating Principal must also complete the FMTP if they have not done so previously. Carls Jr. retains the right to modify or waive training requirements based on an individual's or franchisee's experience.
Furthermore, to renew their franchise agreement, Carls Jr. franchisees must ensure that they and their employees at the Franchised Restaurant comply with Carls Jr.'s then-current training requirements. This indicates that ongoing training and compliance with updated training standards are necessary for franchisees to maintain their eligibility for renewal. This condition ensures that all Carls Jr. restaurants maintain consistent operational standards and service quality.