Is the Operator of a Cicis restaurant required to be an owner?

According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Operator of a Cicis restaurant is not required to be an owner. The FDD specifies that an Operator may, but need not, be an owner. The Operator is responsible for overseeing the restaurant's operations.

The franchisee must designate a Managing Owner who will directly oversee the Restaurant's operations, unless the franchisee designates another person to serve as the Operator. The franchisor must approve the Managing Owner and/or Operator. Both the Managing Owner and the Operator must meet the franchisor's qualifications and standards and complete the initial training program.

The Managing Owner and any Operator must have sufficient decision-making authority to ensure the restaurant operates effectively. The Operator (or the Managing Owner, if they are also the Operator) must devote their full-time efforts to supervising the restaurant's operation. They can also supervise other Cicis restaurants owned by the franchisee or its affiliates with the franchisor's consent.