Who are the 'Mandatory Trainees' required to complete the Initial Training Program for a Cream franchise?
Cream Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
For the first Jeni's Ice Creams Scoop Shop that you develop, prior to your Opening Date, you (or if you are conducting business as an Entity, your Principal Owner) and your Shopkeeper (if applicable) (together, the "Mandatory Trainees") must complete a training program conducted by us on the material aspects of operating a Jeni's Ice Creams Scoop Shop (the "Initial Training Program") to our satisfaction. We will control the substance and duration of our Initial Training Program, which will be held at a location of our choice, which may be virtual. If this is the first Jeni's Ice Creams Scoop Shop you develop, we will provide the Initial Training Program for up to three attendees that you select and we approve, at no cost to you, which must include your Mandatory Trainees, provided all attendees attend the Initial Training Program at the same time. We may vary the contents or duration of the Initial Training Program based on the experience, role, responsibilities of your attendees and other factors we determine. We will also determine the timing, dates, and schedule of the Initial Training Program. If we determine that the Mandatory Trainees cannot complete the Initial Training Program to our satisfaction, we may terminate this Agreement. If the Mandatory Trainees complete our Initial Training Program to our satisfaction and do not expressly and promptly request additional training after completion of the Initial Training Program, then you and they will be deemed to have been trained sufficiently to operate a Jeni's Ice Creams Scoop Shop.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 61–192)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cream's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Mandatory Trainees required to complete the Initial Training Program for the first Jeni's Ice Creams Scoop Shop are the franchisee (or the Principal Owner if the franchisee is an entity) and the Shopkeeper (if applicable). Cream must find that the Mandatory Trainees complete the training program to their satisfaction. If Cream determines that the Mandatory Trainees cannot complete the Initial Training Program to their satisfaction, Cream may terminate the Franchise Agreement.
Cream will provide the Initial Training Program for up to three attendees selected and approved by them at no cost to the franchisee, which must include the Mandatory Trainees, provided all attendees attend the Initial Training Program at the same time. Cream may vary the contents or duration of the Initial Training Program based on the experience, role, responsibilities of the attendees and other factors they determine. Cream will also determine the timing, dates, and schedule of the Initial Training Program.
The franchisee is responsible for all expenses incurred during any meetings and/or training courses and programs, including wages, transportation, food, lodging, and workers' compensation insurance for the franchisee and their Mandatory Trainees. If the Mandatory Trainees complete Cream's Initial Training Program to their satisfaction and do not expressly and promptly request additional training after completion of the Initial Training Program, then the franchisee and they will be deemed to have been trained sufficiently to operate a Jeni's Ice Creams Scoop Shop.