Under what circumstances is attendance at the initial training program for a Checkers franchise required?
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, attendance at the initial training program is mandatory under specific conditions. If neither the franchisee (or their Operating Partner) nor the appointed Operator has owned or managed a Checkers or Rally's restaurant within the 18 months immediately preceding the opening of the franchised restaurant, then the franchisee (or their Operating Partner) and their Operators must attend and successfully complete the initial training program. This training is to be held at locations and times designated by Checkers.
Checkers covers the training fees for two attendees at the initial training program. However, the franchisee is responsible for all compensation and expenses, including travel, meals, and lodging, incurred by themselves and their personnel while attending the training. Additional fees may apply for any extra attendees sent to the initial training or for the franchisee and their personnel attending any subsequent training programs, whether optional or mandatory.
The FDD stipulates that any Operator, including the Operating Partner, who fails to complete the training program to Checkers's satisfaction must be immediately replaced. The document emphasizes that the purpose of the initial and any additional training programs is to protect the Checkers brand and trademarks, rather than to control the day-to-day operations of the franchised restaurant. This suggests that the training is focused on ensuring brand consistency and adherence to operational standards.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that if they lack recent experience managing a Checkers or Rally's restaurant, they should budget for the time and costs associated with attending the initial training program. They should also ensure that their designated Operator meets the experience requirements or is prepared to undergo the training. Failure to comply with the training requirements could result in the need to replace the Operator, potentially causing delays and additional expenses.