Does the Golden Corral franchisee have to pay a training fee for seminars?
Golden_Corral Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 6.2 Additional Franchisee Training: The general manager, associate managerkitchen, and the associate manager-service shall also attend such refresher courses, additional training programs and seminars as Franchisor may designate from time to time.
For all such programs and seminars, Franchisor shall provide instructors and training materials; Franchisee and Franchisee's employees shall be responsible for and pay a reasonable training fee and any and all other expenses incurred by them in connection with such programs and seminars, including, without limitation, the costs of transportation, lodging, meals, and any wages.
- 6.3 Franchisee Responsibility to Pay Training Expenses: Franchisee or its employees shall be responsible for and pay any and all expenses incurred by them in connection with any training programs described in this Section 6, including without limitation, the costs of transportation, lodging, meals, and wages.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 84–85)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Golden Corral's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for paying a reasonable training fee for refresher courses, additional training programs, and seminars that Golden Corral designates from time to time. While Golden Corral provides the instructors and training materials for these programs and seminars, the franchisee and their employees must cover the training fee and all other associated expenses. These expenses include transportation, lodging, meals, and wages incurred while attending the training.
This means that as a Golden Corral franchisee, you should budget not only for the direct training fees but also for the indirect costs of sending yourself or your employees to these required training events. These ongoing training programs are in addition to the initial training programs required for managers prior to the restaurant opening. The general manager, associate manager-kitchen, and the associate manager-service are required to attend these programs and seminars.
Franchisees need to factor in these additional training costs when assessing the overall financial investment required to operate a Golden Corral franchise. It is a common practice in the franchise industry for franchisors to provide initial training, but ongoing training costs can vary. Some franchisors may cover all ongoing training expenses, while others, like Golden Corral, pass these costs on to the franchisee. Therefore, prospective franchisees should carefully review the FDD to understand the full scope of training obligations and associated costs.