Is a Carls Jr. franchisee required to purchase additional training materials?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
e for an initial QA audit; the cost of a second audit due to a deficiency is currently $211.00 per Restaurant which may be increased every year, although we do not anticipate the annual increase to exceed 30%.) |
| 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). The fee is paid to us but we pass this entire fee to a third-party vendor to help facilitate the training environment. |
Source: Item 6 — Other Fees (FDD pages 28–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not required to purchase additional training materials. However, Carls Jr. has developed optional materials, such as audio-visual aids, that franchisees may purchase for use in their franchised restaurant. The cost for these additional training materials varies and is due as incurred.
Carls Jr. franchisees are required to pay a Star University Access Fee, which is currently $14 per Fiscal Period (currently a 4-week accounting period). This fee provides access to Star University, a required training tool, and its Learning Management System (LMS) for administering, tracking, and reporting learning programs. Franchisees must sign the Star University License Agreement, and while the fee is paid to Carls Jr., it is passed on to a third-party vendor. Carls Jr. reserves the right to increase this fee in the future, but anticipates that any annual increase will not exceed 30%.
Carls Jr. franchisees and their employees must also complete an online food and safety training program. The cost of this training varies and is due prior to the start of training. Franchisees are responsible for covering all expenses incurred by themselves and their employees while participating in this training, which may be provided by Carls Jr. or third parties for food safety certification.