Does the Cicis System Standards regulate employee qualifications, dress, and appearance?

According to the 2025 Cicis Franchise Disclosure Document, the System Standards do regulate employee qualifications, dress, and appearance. Cicis retains the right to establish and periodically modify these System Standards. However, the franchisee retains the right and sole responsibility for the day-to-day management and operation of their restaurant, including the implementation and maintenance of these standards. This means that while Cicis sets the overall guidelines, the franchisee is responsible for ensuring they are followed at their specific location.

The System Standards cover a wide array of operational aspects, including sales, marketing, advertising, promotional programs, and materials. They also extend to staffing levels, employee qualifications, dress, and appearance. However, the franchisee has sole responsibility for employee selection and promotion, hours worked, rates of pay and other benefits, work assigned, and working conditions. This division of responsibility ensures brand consistency across all Cicis restaurants while allowing franchisees to manage their staff according to local conditions and labor laws.

Furthermore, franchisees are obligated to maintain a competent, conscientious, and trained staff. They must also take necessary steps to ensure that their employees preserve good customer relations and comply with any dress code that Cicis prescribes. This requirement underscores the importance of both employee skill and adherence to brand standards in delivering a consistent customer experience. Cicis also requires that a certified manager, who has satisfactorily completed their initial training program, is on duty during all hours of operation.