What training programs must a new Operating Principal for a Churchs Chicken franchise successfully complete?

According to Churchs Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a new Operating Principal must successfully complete two training programs: the New Franchisee Orientation Program (NFOP) and the Manager-in-Training (MIT) Program. The NFOP is a 2-day program conducted at a training facility designated by Churchs Chicken. The MIT Program takes place at a Certified Training Restaurant (CTR) and consists of up to four weeks of classroom and restaurant operations training. If the franchisee is new to the restaurant industry, Churchs Chicken may require an additional week of training.

The NFOP must be completed before the franchisee opens their first franchised Churchs Chicken restaurant. The MIT Program must be completed by the Operating Principal and up to four designated management employees before the restaurant opens. At least two managers at the franchised restaurant must have completed the MIT Program. Churchs Chicken will only authorize the restaurant to open after an adequate number of designated management employees have successfully completed the MIT Program.

Churchs Chicken bears the administrative expenses for the NFOP, but the franchisee is responsible for travel, living, and other expenses incurred by the Operating Principal and employees while attending the NFOP. Churchs Chicken also covers tuition and expenses for the MIT Program attended by the franchisee's management employees before opening the franchised restaurant. However, after the restaurant opens, the franchisee must pay a tuition fee for each management employee who attends the MIT Program and cover all travel, living, and other expenses incurred by employees while attending the MIT Program. Churchs Chicken may also require the Operating Principal to take and complete additional training courses at any time, for which the franchisee may be required to pay a tuition fee and cover all related expenses.