When is the initial training fee due for a Cicis restaurant?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Cicis Restaurant.
Initial Training Fee: We do not charge an initial training fee for the first and second Cicis Restaurants you or your affiliates develop. If, based on your operating history and our assessment of your ability to train your employees for the third and each subsequent Cicis Restaurant you or your affiliates develop, we determine that you and your personnel are required to attend our training program for the third or any subsequent Cicis Restaurant, you will be required to pay us an initial training fee of $2,500. If charged, the initial training fee will be due and payable, in a lump sum, on your execution of the Fr
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 11–14)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, an initial training fee of $2,500 is required only for the third and subsequent Cicis restaurants a franchisee develops, and only if Cicis determines that training is necessary. This fee is not charged for the first two restaurants. If applicable, the initial training fee is due in a lump sum upon the execution of the Franchise Agreement.
This means that a new Cicis franchisee opening their first or second location will not have to pay an initial training fee. However, if they expand to a third or subsequent location, Cicis will assess their ability to train employees. If Cicis decides the franchisee or their personnel need further training, the $2,500 fee will be imposed. This fee structure incentivizes franchisees to develop strong operational skills and training programs within their organization.
The fact that the training fee is only due upon signing the Franchise Agreement for the third or later restaurant gives franchisees time to prepare for this potential expense. It also allows Cicis to evaluate the franchisee's performance before requiring additional training investment. This is a conditional fee, unlike the initial franchise fee, which is always due when signing the Franchise Agreement for the first restaurant.
It's important for prospective Cicis franchisees to understand the conditions under which the training fee is charged, especially if they plan to develop multiple locations. They should also inquire about the specific criteria Cicis uses to determine whether additional training is required, to better anticipate this potential cost.