Does Checkers provide initial training to the franchisee or just the Operating Partner and manager?
Checkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- We will provide initial training to you (or your Operating Partner) and your manager. This training is described in detail later in this Item. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.01);
Before opening your Franchised Restaurant, you (or the Operating Partner described in Item 15) and any general managers of the Franchised Restaurant that have not managed a Restaurant within the preceding 18 months must successfully complete to our satisfaction an initial training program. The initial training program must be completed before the opening date of each Restaurant.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 46–57)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Checkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, initial training is provided to the franchisee (or their Operating Partner) and the restaurant's manager. This initial training program includes hands-on training covering all aspects of restaurant operations, such as food preparation, equipment operation and maintenance, cost control, inventory control, and basic management techniques. The training program is generally consistent for all restaurants, though there may be some variations depending on whether it is a Checkers or Rally's location due to different preparation methods.
The initial training must be successfully completed before the restaurant's opening date by the franchisee (or the Operating Partner) and any general managers who have not managed a restaurant within the 18 months preceding the opening. Checkers may conduct the in-store training at a restaurant in Florida or another designated city for a period of 4 to 5 weeks, depending on the trainee's background, experience, proximity, and availability. Some portions of the classroom training may also be conducted online. Typically, training occurs 30 to 90 days before the restaurant opens.
Checkers provides instructional materials for the initial training program, including the Operations Manual, standard forms, and training manuals. The training is conducted by Checkers' staff, consisting of restaurant management personnel, under the supervision of the Director of Field Training. Franchisees must replace any manager who fails to complete the training program successfully or is otherwise not qualified to manage a restaurant. Checkers does not charge any fees for two attendees at the initial training program but may charge fees for additional attendees or for franchisees and their personnel attending any additional training programs, whether optional or mandatory. Franchisees are responsible for all compensation and expenses, including travel, meals, and lodging, incurred in connection with any training programs. Neither franchisees nor their employees receive compensation from Checkers for services performed during training.
In addition to the initial training program, Checkers may send up to three representatives to the franchised restaurant for up to 10 days to provide on-site support for pre-opening and opening activities, at Checkers' discretion and cost. If the franchisee requests additional guidance, assistance, or training, and Checkers agrees to provide it, the franchisee will pay Checkers' applicable charges, including per diem charges and travel and living expenses for personnel.