What is the Individual's obligation regarding Checkers' training methods?
Checkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
4.01 Initial Training Program. If you (or your Operating Partner) or any Operator have not within the immediately preceding eighteen (18) months owned or managed a "Checkers" or "Rally's" Restaurant, then prior to opening the Franchised Restaurant, you (or your Operating Partner) and your Operator(s), as applicable, must attend and successfully complete an initial training program on the operation of a Restaurant at such time(s) and place(s) we designate. We may require you (or your Operating Partner) or your Operator(s) to attend and successfully complete periodic or additional training programs. We will not charge any fees for two (2) attendees attending the initial training program. We may charge fees for any additional attendees that you send to the initial training program, as well as for you and your personnel attending any additional training programs (whether optional or mandatory). You will be responsible for all compensation and expenses (including travel, meals and lodging) incurred by you and your personnel in attending any training programs. You must immediately replace any Operator (including the Operating Partner, as applicable) who fails to successfully complete any training program to our satisfaction. You acknowledge and agree that the initial training program and any additional training programs are provided to you and your personnel to protect our brand and the Marks and not to control the day-to-day operation of the Franchised Restaurant.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 91–92)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Checkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee, their Operating Partner, or any Operator has not owned or managed a Checkers or Rally's Restaurant within the 18 months immediately preceding the opening of a franchised restaurant, they must attend and successfully complete an initial training program. This program will be held at a time and place designated by Checkers. Checkers may also require attendance and successful completion of periodic or additional training programs.
Checkers covers the fees for two attendees at the initial training program. However, the franchisee is responsible for fees for any additional attendees at the initial program, as well as fees for the franchisee and their personnel attending any additional training programs, whether optional or mandatory. The franchisee is also responsible for all compensation and expenses, including travel, meals, and lodging, incurred by the franchisee and their personnel while attending any training programs.
Furthermore, the franchisee must immediately replace any Operator, including the Operating Partner, who fails to successfully complete any training program to Checkers' satisfaction. The training programs are designed to protect the Checkers brand and Marks and are not intended to control the day-to-day operations of the franchised restaurant. This means that while Checkers provides the training to ensure brand consistency and quality, the franchisee is still responsible for the daily management of their restaurant.