What training requirement must the Operating Partner of a Checkers franchise fulfill?
Checkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
this action is in the best interest of our franchise system.
ITEM 15 OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS
If you are, or at any time become, a business corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity, you must designate as the "Operating Partner" an individual approved by us who must: (a) own and control, or have the right to own and control (subject to conditions reasonably acceptable to us), not less than 10% of your equity and voting rights; (b) have the authority to bind you regarding all operational decisions with respect to your Franchised Restaurant; and (c) have completed our training program to our satisfaction. You may not change the Operating Partner without our prior written consent.
You (or your Operating Partner): (a) shall exert your full-time and best efforts to the development and operation of your Franchised Restaurant and all other Restaurants you own; and (b) may not engage in any other business or activity, directly or indirectly, that requires substantial management responsibility or time commitments or otherwise may conflict with your obligations under the Franchise Agreement. Your Franchised Restaurant at all times must be managed by you (or your Operating Partner) or by a manager who has completed our training program to our satisfaction.
The Franchised Restaurant at all times must be under the direct, on-premises supervision of you (or your Operating Partner), or otherwise a manager-level employee 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. Your Operating Partner will be required to sign our Nondisclosure and Non-Competition Agreement, but we do not require manager-level employees to sign our Nondisclosure and Non-Competition Agreement. Your manager-level employee is not required to own equity in you.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 91–92)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Checkers's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee is a business entity, they must designate an Operating Partner who meets specific requirements, including completing the initial training program. The Operating Partner must successfully complete Checkers's training program to the company's satisfaction before engaging in operational duties. This individual must also own or have the right to control at least 10% of the franchisee's equity and voting rights and have the authority to make operational decisions for the restaurant.
This requirement ensures that someone with a vested interest and decision-making power is properly trained in Checkers's operating procedures. The training program aims to equip the Operating Partner with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the restaurant effectively and uphold Checkers's brand standards. If the relationship with the Operating Partner terminates, the franchisee must promptly hire a successor Operating Partner who also meets Checkers's approval and successfully completes the training program.
Checkers emphasizes the importance of ongoing oversight by the Operating Partner, even if a separate Operator is appointed for day-to-day activities. This active involvement helps maintain consistency and adherence to Checkers's standards. The franchisee is responsible for ensuring that all personnel, including the Operating Partner, are competent and proficient in their duties. This includes making all employment decisions, providing training, and maintaining supervision and discipline.
Overall, the training requirement for the Operating Partner is a critical component of Checkers's franchise system, designed to protect the brand and ensure consistent operations across all locations. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these requirements and ensure that their designated Operating Partner is prepared to meet these obligations.