What are the required components of the Computer/POS System for a Carls Jr. restaurant?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
A Carl's Jr. Restaurant typically requires a Computer/POS System consisting of 4 POS terminals and 6 kitchen display monitors. You must purchase or lease PAR ES600 or PAR ES8500 terminals. These systems record customer transactions and collect and generate gross sales reports (including sales by categories) for the Franchised Restaurant. In addition, (i) you must purchase or lease Brink Kitchen Display Systems and a back-office workstation as recommended by the software provider, and (ii) you must have met our required connectivity standards (currently, (a) Cisco Meraki Firewall/Router with Advanced Security License; (b) Cisco Meraki Wireless Access Points, Cisco Meraki 48 port switch; (c) highly reliable internet with auto-failure to LTE Backup; and (d)Wi-Fi for guests (if Internet speeds are fast enough to support it) and back of house operations. The hardware for the connectivity currently includes security appliance – Meraki MX68 w/Advanced Security License, wireless access Points – Meraki MR33, and managed switch – Meraki MS120. You are required to upgrade or update these systems and add or replace components during the term of the Franchise Agreement, and there is no contractual limitation on the frequency or cost of the obligation.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 42–55)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, a typical restaurant requires a Computer/POS System that includes 4 POS terminals and 6 kitchen display monitors. Franchisees must purchase or lease PAR ES600 or PAR ES8500 terminals to record customer transactions and generate gross sales reports. Franchisees must also purchase or lease Brink Kitchen Display Systems and a back-office workstation as recommended by the software provider.
Carls Jr. requires specific connectivity standards, including a Cisco Meraki Firewall/Router with Advanced Security License, Cisco Meraki Wireless Access Points, a Cisco Meraki 48 port switch, highly reliable internet with auto-failure to LTE Backup, and Wi-Fi for guests (if Internet speeds are fast enough to support it) and back of house operations. The hardware for connectivity includes a security appliance – Meraki MX68 w/Advanced Security License, wireless access Points – Meraki MR33, and a managed switch – Meraki MS120.
Carls Jr. franchisees are obligated to upgrade or update these systems and add or replace components during the term of the Franchise Agreement, and there is no contractual limitation on the frequency or cost of this obligation. Franchisees must also use an approved software program for the Computer/POS System, choosing either PAR Brink or Xenial Xpient (5.0 or higher). The purchase price of the required hardware, software, and support ranges from approximately $35,000 to $45,000, depending on the vendor selected. Franchisees must maintain their point of sale system and keep it in good repair, and Carls Jr. can access the information stored in the system without contractual limitation.