Does Craters & Freighters specify when the Initial Training Program will be conducted relative to the lease execution?
Craters_Freighters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
After the execution of the lease for the Franchised Business and prior to the opening of the Franchised Business, we will provide an initial training program regarding the operations of a Craters & Freighters Franchised Business ("Initial Training Program"). We conduct the Initial Training Program based on the schedules of incoming franchisees and our team members who conduct the program. Approximately nine (9) days of training will be furnished at our corporate headquarters in Golden, Colorado, and/or one (1) or more of our franchise locations in Colorado. There is no limit to the number of individuals who are entitled to participate in the Initial Training Program as long as you (or a principal owner of the franchisee entity) complete the Initial Training Program to our satisfaction and participate in all other activities required by us to open your Franchised Business. You will be responsible for all travel and living expenses incurred in connection with the Initial Training Program. Upon your request, we will provide approximately three (3) days of additional training at
your Franchised Business during normal business hours after the opening of your Franchised Business. If you fail to complete the Initial Training Program to our satisfaction, we may terminate the Franchise Agreement.
If you engage a Designated Manager at any time prior to the opening of your Franchised Business, the Designated Manager must successfully complete the Initial Training Program to our satisfaction prior to such Designated Manager assuming any management responsibilities in connection with your Franchised Business. The cost of the Initial Training Program for a Designated Manager engaged by you prior to the opening of your Franchised Business will be borne by us. The cost of any training provided by us (upon your request or as determined by us) to any Designated Manager engaged by you after the opening of your Franchised Business will be paid by you based on our then-current daily rate for additional training; you will also reimburse us for the out-of-pocket expenses we incur in providing such training including, but not limited to, all travel and living expenses.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Craters & Freighters Franchise Disclosure Document, the Initial Training Program will be conducted after the execution of the lease for the Franchised Business and prior to the opening of the Franchised Business. This means that franchisees must secure their business location and sign the lease before attending the training.
The Initial Training Program is approximately nine days long and will be held at Craters & Freighters' corporate headquarters in Golden, Colorado, and/or at one or more of their franchise locations in Colorado. Franchisees are responsible for all travel and living expenses incurred while attending the training. There is no limit to the number of individuals who are entitled to participate in the Initial Training Program as long as the franchisee (or a principal owner of the franchisee entity) completes the Initial Training Program to Craters & Freighters' satisfaction.
If a Designated Manager is engaged before the Franchised Business opens, they must also successfully complete the Initial Training Program before assuming any management responsibilities. The cost of training a Designated Manager engaged before opening is borne by Craters & Freighters. However, the franchisee bears the cost of any training provided to a Designated Manager engaged after the Franchised Business opens, including the then-current daily rate for additional training and reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses.