What are the requirements for a Carls Jr. franchisee regarding participation in food safety and brand standards audit programs?

According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must participate in all food safety and brand standards audit programs that Carls Jr. specifies. The franchisee's restaurant is required to undergo the number of audits per year that Carls Jr. requires. These audits may be at the franchisee's expense, at Carls Jr.'s sole discretion. The franchisee must also adhere to the terms outlined in the Red Audit Policy for third-party food safety audits.

Carls Jr. also retains the right to inspect the franchised restaurant at any reasonable time and without prior notice to ensure compliance with the franchise agreement, quality standards, operating procedures, and brand standards. These inspections can include physical inspections of the location, observation, photography, videotaping, removal of product samples for testing, interviews with personnel and customers, and inspection of records. Franchisees are expected to cooperate fully with these inspections.

If deficiencies are detected during these inspections, the franchisee is required to take immediate steps to correct them. This includes ceasing the sale of unauthorized menu items, correcting critical food safety issues, addressing deficiencies impacting guest safety or the ability to operate according to procedures or brand standards, and discontinuing the use of non-conforming equipment, advertising materials, or supplies. If Carls Jr. deems the deficiencies to create an imminent health hazard, they may direct the franchisee to temporarily close the restaurant until all hazards are corrected to their satisfaction, according to Carls Jr.'s Closure Policy.

These stipulations highlight the importance Carls Jr. places on maintaining consistent brand standards and food safety across all franchise locations. Franchisees should be prepared for regular audits and inspections, and they must be ready to invest in correcting any identified issues to avoid potential penalties, including temporary closure of their restaurant.