Are Carvel franchisees required to verify citizenship and/or immigration status of employees?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to businesses generally, including, without limitation, laws and regulations related to workers' compensation, occupational health and safety, minimum wage, overtime, working conditions, discrimination, sexual harassment, tax, environmental protection, citizenship and/or immigration status (including laws requiring verification of status through the Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program), and reasonable accommodations for employees and customers with disabilities (including the Americans with Disabilities Act).
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD pages 9–24)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This includes laws and regulations related to citizenship and/or immigration status, which may involve verifying status through the Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. This requirement applies to all Carvel Shoppe formats, including Full Shoppes, Express Shoppes, Hosted Express Shoppes, Ice Cream Trucks, and Cinnabon Co-Branded Shoppes.
For a prospective Carvel franchisee, this means they must ensure their business operations adhere to all legal requirements regarding employee eligibility to work in the United States. This may involve implementing procedures to verify the citizenship or immigration status of all employees, potentially through the E-Verify system, to avoid legal penalties and maintain compliance.
It is important for potential Carvel franchisees to consult with legal counsel and stay updated on the latest federal, state, and local regulations regarding employment and immigration to ensure full compliance. Failure to comply with these laws could result in fines, legal action, and damage to the franchisee's reputation.