Can Carls Jr. terminate an applicant's participation in the Training Programs without cause?

According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, Carls Jr. has the right to terminate an applicant's participation in the Training Programs at any time and without providing a reason. This is explicitly stated in Item 23, Receipts, under the section titled "Termination".

This means that Carls Jr. can decide to end an applicant's training without any prior notice or justification. This clause also allows Carls Jr. to choose not to offer a franchise opportunity to the applicant after the training. Conversely, the applicant also has the right to terminate their participation in the training programs or decide not to pursue the franchise opportunity with Carls Jr. without cause.

Upon termination of the agreement, the applicant must immediately cease using any confidential information, return all copies of confidential information to Carls Jr. within 10 days, and certify in writing that they have complied with these requirements. This agreement is personal to the applicant and cannot be transferred. Applicants should be aware that they are not employees or agents of CJR during the training and will not receive any compensation or reimbursement for expenses.