Does Carls Jr. have the right to change the menu items for the franchised restaurant?
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 modify the menu items offered at its franchised restaurants. The franchisee must offer for sale only those products and services that Carls Jr. expressly authorizes in its OPM (Operating Procedures Manual) or in writing.
Carls Jr. retains the right to change the menu items, ingredients, products, materials, supplies, and paper goods, including their standards and specifications, without any limitations. The franchisee is obligated to promptly comply with these new requirements. This flexibility allows Carls Jr. to adapt to changing consumer preferences, market trends, and supply chain conditions.
This provision in the franchise agreement ensures that Carls Jr. can maintain brand consistency and quality control across all franchise locations. While franchisees must adhere to these changes, it also means they benefit from the franchisor's expertise in menu development and market analysis. Franchisees should stay informed about any upcoming menu changes and be prepared to implement them quickly to avoid any disruption in service or compliance issues.