What standards must equipment meet to be approved for purchase by Carls Jr.?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
taurant shall be furnished, equipped and shall otherwise be ready to open for business in accordance with this Agreement not later than 18 months after the Property Control Date ("Opening Date").
Franchisee agrees, at its sole expense, to do or cause to be done the following, by the Opening Date:
- (1) Obtain and maintain all required building, utility, sign, health, sanitation, business and other permits and licenses applicable to the Franchised Restaurant.
- (2) Construct all required improvements to the Franchised Location and decorate the exterior and interior of the Franchised Restaurant in compliance with the Plans approved by CJR.
- (3) Purchase or lease and install all specified and required fixtures, equipment, furnishings and interior and exterior signs required for the Franchised Restaurant.
(4) Purchase an opening inventory for the Franchised Restaurant of only authorized and approved products and other materials and supplies.
D. Acquisition of Necessary Furnishings, Fixtures and Equipment
Franchisee agrees to use in the development and operation of the Franchised Restaurant only those fixtures, furnishings, equipment and signs that CJR has approved for Carl's Jr. Restaurants as meeting its specifications and standards for quality, design, appearance, function and performance. Franchisee further agrees to place or display at the Franchised Restaurant (interior and exterior) only those signs, emblems, lettering, logos and display materials that CJR approves in writing from time to time.
Franchisee shall purchase or lease approved brands, types or models of fixtures, furnishings, equipment and signs only from suppliers designated or approved by CJR, which may include CJR. If Franchisee proposes to purchase, lease or otherwise use any fixtures, furnishings, equipment or signs which have not been approved by CJR, Franchisee shall first notify CJR in writing and shall, at its sole expense, submit to CJR upon its request, sufficient specifications, photographs, drawings and/or other information or samples for a determination as to whether those fixtures, furnishings, equipment and/or signs comply with CJR's specifications and standards. CJR will, in its sole discretion, approve or disapprove the items and notify Franchisee within 30 days after CJR receives the request, or such longer period as CJR requires.
If Franchisee builds any portion of the Franchised Restaurant outside of CJR's specifications without receiving CJR's prior written consent, CJR shall have the right to delay the opening of the Franchised Restaurant until Franchisee, at its sole expense, brings the Franchised Restaurant's development within full compliance of CJR's specifications.
E. Hardware and Software
Prior to the opening of the Franchised Restaurant, Franchisee agrees to procure and install such data processing equipment, computer hardware and software, required dedicated telephone and power lines, modems, printers and other computer-related accessory or peripheral equipment as CJR specifies in Section 13.E. of this Agreement, the Development Guide, the OPM, or otherwise.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 75–76)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must use fixtures, furnishings, equipment, and signs that Carls Jr. has approved. These items must meet Carls Jr.'s specifications and standards for quality, design, appearance, function, and performance. Franchisees must purchase or lease approved brands, types, or models only from suppliers designated or approved by Carls Jr., which may include Carls Jr. itself.
If a franchisee wants to use fixtures, furnishings, equipment, or signs that Carls Jr. has not already approved, they must notify Carls Jr. in writing. The franchisee is responsible for submitting specifications, photographs, drawings, and other information or samples for Carls Jr. to determine if the items comply with their standards. Carls Jr. has the sole discretion to approve or disapprove these items and will notify the franchisee of their decision within 30 days of receiving the request, or longer if necessary.
Carls Jr. also has the right to require inspections of a supplier's facilities and to request information, specifications, and samples for testing before granting approval. The franchisee will bear the costs of these inspections and tests. Carls Jr. can re-inspect the facilities and products of any approved supplier and revoke approval if the supplier fails to continue meeting the required criteria. This ensures that all equipment and supplies used in the Carls Jr. system meet the brand's standards for quality and performance.