What are the specific obligations of a Dq Treat franchisee regarding employee training and management (Item 9)?

According to Dq Treat's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have several obligations regarding employee training and management. Item 9 outlines franchisee obligations, referencing sections in the franchise agreement and other items in the disclosure document that pertain to training. Specifically, initial and ongoing training requirements are detailed in the Franchise Agreement under Sections 2.2, 7.1-7.8, and 11.3, and are further discussed in Items 5 and 11 of the FDD.

Dq Treat requires franchisees to comply with pre-opening training requirements within 6 months before the restaurant opens. Failure to meet these requirements to the company's satisfaction means the franchisee cannot open or operate the restaurant. Franchisees and their employees must also meet ongoing training requirements, and if a franchisee defaults on operational standards, Dq Treat may require additional training at the franchisee's expense as a condition of curing the default.

The franchisee must maintain active and continuous supervision of the restaurant, and must employ a Designated Manager, and an Assistant Manager if it is the franchisee's first Dq Treat restaurant, who have successfully completed all required training before starting their management duties. Any new or replacement managers must also meet the company's current training requirements. Franchisees are responsible for ensuring that all restaurant employees wear clean, approved uniforms, the cost of which can be borne by the franchisee or the employee. It is important to note that no employee of the franchisee is considered an employee of Dq Treat for any purpose.