What are the franchisee's responsibilities regarding compensation and expenses for personnel attending Checkersrallys training programs?
Checkersrallys 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 Checkersrallys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for all compensation and expenses, including travel, meals, and lodging, incurred by the franchisee and their personnel when attending any training programs. Checkersrallys does not charge any fees for two attendees at the initial training program. However, Checkersrallys may charge fees for any additional attendees that the franchisee sends to the initial training program, as well as for the franchisee and their personnel attending any additional training programs, whether optional or mandatory.
This means that while the initial training for a couple of people is covered, the franchisee needs to budget for all other training-related costs. These costs can include wages paid to employees while they are in training, transportation to and from the training location, the cost of hotel rooms, and food expenses. These costs can add up quickly, especially if the training location is far from the restaurant's location or if multiple employees need training.
It is important to note that Checkersrallys can mandate additional training programs, which would further increase the franchisee's expenses. The franchisee must also replace any operator, including the operating partner, who fails to successfully complete any training program to Checkersrallys's satisfaction. This could lead to additional training costs if a replacement operator needs to be trained.
Prospective franchisees should consider these training-related expenses when evaluating the overall cost of investing in a Checkersrallys franchise. It would be prudent to discuss with Checkersrallys the typical costs associated with training and the frequency of additional training programs to better estimate these expenses.