Who is responsible for covering the expenses associated with attending any Checkers training programs?
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's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for covering all expenses associated with attending any training programs. While Checkers does not charge any fees for two attendees at the initial training program, the franchisee must cover all compensation and expenses, including travel, meals, and lodging, incurred by themselves and their personnel while attending any training programs. This includes the initial training program as well as any periodic or additional training programs that Checkers may require.
This means that a prospective Checkers franchisee needs to factor in the costs of training when budgeting for their new business. These costs can include not only travel and accommodation but also the wages or salaries of the franchisee and their staff while they are undergoing training. The franchisee is also responsible for the costs of any additional attendees beyond the initial two covered by Checkers.
It is important to note that if an operator, including the Operating Partner, fails to successfully complete any training program to Checkers' satisfaction, the franchisee must immediately replace them. This could lead to additional training expenses if a replacement operator needs to be trained.
Checkers provides the initial and additional training programs to protect their brand and marks, and not to control the day-to-day operations of the franchised restaurant. This distinction is important as it clarifies the purpose of the training and the relationship between Checkers and its franchisees.