How long does Carls Jr. have to approve or disapprove plan changes for a Carls Jr. restaurant after receipt?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Once CJR has approved the Plans and Franchisee has signed
each page of the Plans acknowledging the approval and Franchisee's obligations for compliance, no substantial change shall be made to the Plans without the prior approval of CJR, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. If, in the course of construction, any such change in the Plans is contemplated, CJR's approval must first be obtained before proceeding. CJR shall approve or disapprove Plan changes within 10 business days after receipt.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 75–76)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, after a franchisee submits proposed plan changes for a franchised restaurant, Carls Jr. has 10 business days after receipt to approve or disapprove those changes. This timeframe applies to modifications made after the initial construction plans have already been approved.
This stipulation ensures that franchisees can proceed with necessary adjustments or updates to their restaurants in a timely manner, while still allowing Carls Jr. to maintain brand standards and operational consistency. The approval process is designed to prevent unreasonable delays, as Carls Jr.'s approval cannot be unreasonably withheld, suggesting a balanced approach to managing changes.
For a prospective Carls Jr. franchisee, this means that any contemplated changes to the restaurant's plans during construction or operation need to be submitted for approval, and a decision can be expected within 10 business days. This requirement helps maintain uniformity across all Carls Jr. locations and ensures that any modifications align with the brand's overall image and operational standards.