Is the general manager of a Chocolate Fish Coffee franchise required to complete the training program?
Chocolate_Fish_Coffee Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
(a) Management. The Business must at all times be under the on-site supervision of the Principal Executive or a general manager who has completed Chocolate Fish Franchising's training program.
7.6 Post-Opening Training. Chocolate Fish Franchising may at any time require that the Principal Executive and/or any other employees complete training programs, in any format and in any location determined by Chocolate Fish Franchising. Chocolate Fish Franchising may charge a reasonable fee for any training programs. Chocolate Fish Franchising may require Franchisee to provide training programs to its employees. If a training program is held at a location which requires travel by the Principal Executive or any other employee, then Franchisee shall pay all travel, living and other expenses.
2.4 Principal Executive. Franchisee agrees that the person designated as the "Principal Executive" on the Summary Page is the executive primarily responsible for the Business and has decision-making authority on behalf of Franchisee.
The Principal Executive must have at least 10% ownership interest in Franchisee.
The Principal Executive does not have to serve as a day-today general manager of the Business, but the Principal Executive must devote substantial time and attention to the Business.
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD page 32)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Chocolate Fish Coffee's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, either the Principal Executive or a general manager must complete Chocolate Fish Coffee's training program to supervise the Business on-site. The Principal Executive is the person designated on the Summary Page as primarily responsible for the Business, with decision-making authority, and at least 10% ownership interest.
This means that if the Principal Executive does not act as the day-to-day general manager, the franchisee must ensure that the appointed general manager completes the required training. This ensures that someone with adequate training is always supervising the Chocolate Fish Coffee business.
Chocolate Fish Coffee also retains the right to require the Principal Executive or any other employees to complete further training programs at any time, in any format, and location determined by Chocolate Fish Coffee. The franchisee may be charged a reasonable fee for these training programs and is responsible for all travel, living, and other expenses if travel is required.