Which POS software systems are currently required for operating a Carls Jr. Franchised Restaurant?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must obtain and install data processing equipment, computer hardware, required dedicated telephone and power lines, high speed Internet connections, modems, printers and other computer related accessory or peripheral equipment as we may specify in the OPM or otherwise in writing ("Computer/POS System"), as further explained in Item 11. Current approved vendors for technology components of the Computer/POS System are PAR Tech, Inc., CrunchTime, QSR Automations, Xenial Xpient (4.0 or higher) and Meraki. Currently, you must use either the PAR Brink (and CrunchTime) POS software or the Xenial Xpient (4.0 or higher) POS software in operating your Franchised Restaurant. You must utilize any
proprietary software program, system documentation manuals and other proprietary materials provided by us in connection with the operation of the Franchised Restaurant. When we provide proprietary software, we may require that you execute one or more standard form software license or similar agreements and input and maintain in your computer the software programs, data and information as we prescribe. You must purchase from us, at prices and upon terms that we determine, the proprietary software programs, manuals and/or computer-related materials whenever we decide to use new or upgraded programs, manuals and/or materials throughout the Carl's Jr. System. Except as described in Items 6 and 11 with respect to the Digital Tech Fee, Star University Access Fee and Software Support Fee, there are currently no payments to be made to us in connection with these items. You must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard ("PCI-DSS") at all times and engage any vendor that we may designate to ensure the security of your data and compliance with PCI-DSS. You must maintain continuous PCI compliance and must attest this to us annually by providing us with a completed and signed PCI Attestation of Compliance.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 37–41)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must use specific Point of Sale (POS) software systems in their restaurants. Currently, franchisees are required to use either the PAR Brink (and CrunchTime) POS software or the Xenial Xpient (4.0 or higher) POS software.
Carls Jr. also specifies approved vendors for technology components of the Computer/POS System, which include PAR Tech, Inc., CrunchTime, QSR Automations, Xenial Xpient (4.0 or higher) and Meraki. This means franchisees must select their technology components from these approved vendors to ensure compatibility and compliance with Carls Jr.'s standards.
Furthermore, Carls Jr. requires franchisees to use any proprietary software programs, system documentation manuals, and other proprietary materials provided by them. The franchisee may also be required to execute software license agreements and maintain specific software programs, data, and information as prescribed by Carls Jr. Franchisees are responsible for purchasing proprietary software programs, manuals, and computer-related materials from Carls Jr. whenever new or upgraded versions are introduced throughout the Carls Jr. system. This ensures that all locations operate on the same technology platform and adhere to the latest standards set by the franchisor.