Regarding pre-opening assistance for a Carls Jr. franchise, does CJR provide consultation and advice at no additional cost?

According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, CJR provides consultation and advice to franchisees regarding the construction, renovation, and operation of the franchised restaurant. This consultation covers building layout, furnishings, fixtures, equipment plans and specifications, employee staffing and training, purchasing and inventory control, and other matters CJR deems appropriate.

This pre-opening assistance is provided at no additional cost to the franchisee. This means that franchisees can receive guidance and support from CJR during the initial setup phase without incurring extra fees for the consultation itself. However, it is important to note that while the consultation is free, franchisees are responsible for all costs associated with construction, renovation, equipment, and other aspects of setting up the restaurant.

While CJR offers consultation and advice at no additional cost, franchisees should be aware that CJR may charge for other types of assistance, such as assistance in opening training for the first or second new Franchised Restaurant in a new franchisee's portfolio, and in training Franchisee's employees. For this assistance, CJR has the right to charge Franchisee all reasonable expenses incurred in support of the restaurant opening, including but not limited to any travel, hotel, meals, employee wages, materials and supplies (as determined by CJR).