Can Carls Jr. modify the required training program for franchisees?
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.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 75–76)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, Carls Jr. has the right to modify or waive the training required for franchisees based on an individual's or franchisee's experience. The Franchise Management Training Program (FMTP) is provided by Carls Jr. and includes training at a designated Carl's Jr. Restaurant and on Star University (StarU), their online Learning Management System.
Carls Jr. specifies that the franchisee, the General Manager, a minimum of 6 Shift Leaders, and any other employees hired by the franchisee to fill certain designated positions must attend and satisfactorily complete each element of the FMTP. Additionally, the franchisee's Operating Principal must also attend and satisfactorily complete the FMTP if they have not done so previously.
This flexibility in training requirements could benefit franchisees who have prior experience in the restaurant industry or with the Carls Jr. system, as they may be able to bypass certain aspects of the standard training program. However, it is important for prospective franchisees to understand the specific criteria Carls Jr. uses to determine whether to modify or waive training requirements, and to ensure that their staff receives adequate training to meet Carls Jr.'s standards for operation and customer service.