Can Carls Jr. restrict sales of menu items to certain time periods during the day?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must offer for sale and sell at the Franchised Restaurant all and only those products and services as are expressly authorized by us in the OPM or otherwise in writing. We may restrict sales of menu items to certain time periods during the day. We have the right to change the menu items, ingredients, products, materials, supplies and paper goods or the standards and specifications of each, and there are no limits on our ability to do so. You must promptly comply with the new requirements. We do not limit the customers to whom you may sell goods or services. You must offer to customers online ordering and delivery services pursuant to online ordering/delivery programs that we may from time to time establish with approved vendors and comply with our specifications regarding same.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD page 61)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, Carls Jr. has the authority to restrict the sales of menu items to specific time periods during the day. This means that Carls Jr. can dictate when certain products are available for sale at the franchised restaurant.
This provision allows Carls Jr. to control the menu and ensure consistency across all franchise locations. It also enables them to manage inventory and potentially optimize sales by offering specific items during peak demand times. For example, Carls Jr. could restrict the sale of breakfast items after a certain hour or limit the availability of certain lunch or dinner items during off-peak hours.
As a prospective franchisee, it is important to understand that Carls Jr. has the right to change menu items, ingredients, products, materials, supplies, and paper goods, and there are no limits to their ability to do so. Franchisees must promptly comply with these new requirements. This level of control is common in franchising, as it allows the franchisor to maintain brand standards and adapt to changing market conditions. Franchisees should inquire about the typical frequency and nature of menu changes to better anticipate potential impacts on their operations.