Does Chesters recommend that principal owners participate in the Restaurant's day-to-day operations?
Chesters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Your principal owners need not participate in the Restaurant's day-to-day operations, and we do not necessarily recommend that you do so. However, if they do not do so, you must employ a manager to participate in the Restaurant's day-to-day operations. Your manager must devote the necessary time and efforts to supervise and conduct the Restaurant's operation. Your manager and other Restaurant employees must attend and complete our initial brand standard training program to our satisfaction. All who do so will be considered certified in our brand standard training program. Your manager and other on-site employees need not have an equity interest in the Restaurant or you but must agree in writing to preserve confidential information to which they have access. We do not require franchisee owners to sign a guarantee of performance.
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD pages 34–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Chesters FDD, principal owners are not required to participate in the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, and Chesters does not necessarily recommend it. However, if the principal owners choose not to be involved in the daily operations, they must employ a manager who will be responsible for supervising and conducting the restaurant's operations.
The employed manager must dedicate the necessary time and effort to oversee the restaurant. To ensure brand consistency and quality, this manager, along with other restaurant employees, is required to attend and successfully complete Chesters' initial brand standard training program. Upon completion, they will be considered certified in the brand's standards.
Chesters does not require that the manager or other on-site employees hold an equity interest in the restaurant or the franchise itself. However, these individuals must sign a written agreement to protect the confidential information they may access during their employment. This policy allows for flexibility in how a franchisee structures their business while ensuring that the Chesters brand standards are maintained through proper training and oversight.