What is the significance of the franchisor's approval of the Operating Partner for a Checkers franchise?
Checkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
8.04 Management of Business. The Franchised Restaurant at all times must be under the direct, on-premises supervision of you (or your Operating Partner), or an Operator other than you (or your Operating Partner) that you appoint and authorize to conduct day-to-day business activities at the Franchised Restaurant, either of whom must (a) have sufficient experience (in our sole opinion) in the operation of a quick service restaurant; and (b) have successfully completed our initial training program to our satisfaction.
Even if you appoint an Operator for day-to-day operations, you (or your Operating Partner) must remain active in overseeing the Franchised Restaurant's ongoing business activities. If you (or your Operating Partner) own more than one Restaurant, then each such Restaurant must be under the direct on-premises
supervision of an Operator with sufficient experience (in our sole opinion) in the operation of a quick service restaurant that we have approved.
You (or your Operating Partner) must keep us informed at all times of the identity of your Operator(s), and ensure tha
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 91–92)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Checkers's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor's approval of an Operating Partner is crucial for managing the Franchised Restaurant. Checkers requires that the Franchised Restaurant be under the direct, on-premises supervision of the franchisee (or their Operating Partner) or an appointed Operator. This individual must have sufficient experience in quick-service restaurant operations, in Checkers's opinion, and must successfully complete Checkers's initial training program.
This approval ensures that the person in charge of day-to-day operations meets Checkers's standards for experience and training. Even if an Operator is appointed, the franchisee (or their Operating Partner) must remain actively involved in overseeing the restaurant's activities. If a franchisee owns multiple Checkers restaurants, each location must have an approved Operator with sufficient experience managing the premises.
The franchisee must keep Checkers informed about the identity of their Operators. If an Operator, including the Operating Partner, fails to complete the training program satisfactorily, Checkers requires the franchisee to replace them immediately. This requirement underscores the importance Checkers places on maintaining brand standards and operational consistency across all franchise locations.
Checkers provides the initial and additional training programs to protect its brand and trademarks, not to control the day-to-day operations of the Franchised Restaurant. This distinction is important, as it clarifies that while Checkers sets standards and provides training, the franchisee retains control over the restaurant's daily management, provided they adhere to Checkers's requirements for qualified personnel.