What are the requirements for a Carls Jr. Multi-Unit Manager to be approved by CJR?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If Franchisee operates restaurants that are franchised by CJR or its affiliates in multiple geographic markets, for all markets in which the Operating Principal fails to satisfy the requirements of Section 16.G., Franchisee shall designate and retain an individual to serve as Multi-Unit Manager. The Multi-Unit Manager shall be under the supervision of the Operating Principal. The Multi-Unit Manager shall meet all of the following qualifications:
- (1) The Multi-Unit Manager shall devote full time and best efforts to supervising the operation of the Franchised Restaurant and those other restaurants (that are franchised by CJR or its affiliates) operated by Franchisee in the same geographic market and shall not engage in any other business or activity, directly or indirectly, that requires substantial management responsibility.
- (2) Unless waived in writing by CJR, the Multi-Unit Manager shall maintain his primary residence within a reasonable driving distance of the Franchised Restaurant.
- (3) The Multi-Unit Manager shall successfully complete the FMTP and any additional training required by CJR.
- (4) CJR shall have approved the Multi-Unit Manager, and not have later withdrawn that approval.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 75–76)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee operates restaurants in multiple geographic markets and the Operating Principal does not meet specific requirements, the franchisee must designate a Multi-Unit Manager. This manager operates under the supervision of the Operating Principal and must meet certain qualifications.
The Multi-Unit Manager must devote their full time and best efforts to supervising the operation of the franchised restaurant and other Carls Jr. restaurants operated by the franchisee in the same geographic market. They cannot engage in any other business or activity that requires substantial management responsibility. Unless CJR waives this requirement in writing, the Multi-Unit Manager must maintain their primary residence within a reasonable driving distance of the franchised restaurant.
Furthermore, the Multi-Unit Manager must successfully complete the Franchise Management Training Program (FMTP) and any additional training required by CJR. Finally, CJR must approve the Multi-Unit Manager and not have withdrawn that approval later. If the Multi-Unit Manager no longer qualifies, the franchisee has 30 days to designate another qualified person, who must also complete the FMTP and any additional training.
These requirements ensure that Carls Jr. maintains consistent operational standards and quality across all franchised locations, especially when a franchisee operates multiple units. The approval process allows Carls Jr. to vet the manager's qualifications and commitment, protecting the brand's reputation and customer experience. The training requirements also ensure that the Multi-Unit Manager is well-versed in Carls Jr.'s operational procedures and standards.