Is a Golden Corral franchisee responsible for paying for their training expenses?
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 covering certain training-related expenses. Specifically, while Golden Corral provides the instructors and training materials for required programs and seminars, the franchisee and their employees must pay a reasonable training fee, along with all other expenses incurred while attending these programs.
These expenses include, but are not limited to, the costs of transportation, lodging, meals, and any wages paid to employees while they are in training. This applies to the initial training programs for managers, as well as any refresher courses, additional training programs, and seminars that Golden Corral may designate from time to time.
This means that beyond the initial franchise fee and other startup costs, a Golden Corral franchisee must also budget for the ongoing expenses of training themselves and their staff. These costs can vary depending on the location of the training, the number of employees requiring training, and the duration of the programs. It is important for prospective franchisees to factor in these potential costs when evaluating the overall financial investment required to operate a Golden Corral franchise.