According to the Hardees FDD, what do the 'Support Services' consist of?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Licensor agrees to provide the following support services (collectively, "Support Services") with respect to the Licensed Program and Content: (1) help desk services, which shall be available throughout the duration of this Agreement at the designated dates and times set by Licensor and which shall be accessible by email directed to StarU@CKR.com or to such other email address that may be designated by Licensor from time to time or by other means designated by Licensor from time to time; and (2) initial training services, which shall be available during the first 30 days following execution of this Agreement by both parties and which shall consist of up to 4 hours of remote instruction (at Licensor' s option, via telephone, Internet or other means) on creating user accounts, reporting processes and general user navigation.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 85–541)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the support services that Licensor provides include help desk services and initial training services. The help desk services are available throughout the agreement at the dates and times set by Licensor. Franchisees can access the help desk via email at StarU@CKR.com or any other means designated by Licensor. The initial training services are available during the first 30 days after both parties execute the agreement. This training consists of up to 4 hours of remote instruction, via telephone, Internet, or other means, at Licensor's option, covering creating user accounts, reporting processes, and general user navigation.
To facilitate these support services, Hardees franchisees must operate covered equipment according to Hardees' and the manufacturer's instructions. Franchisees are also required to enter into an agreement with Par Tech, Inc. or Retail Technology Group, Inc. to provide onsite and telephonic maintenance services for the covered equipment, with the franchisee being billed directly for these services. These agreements do not cover the cost of parts or labor needed to keep the equipment functional.
Furthermore, to receive support services from Hardees, franchisees must install specific Next Generation Connectivity equipment and services. This includes a Cisco Meraki Firewall/Router with Advanced Security License, Cisco Meraki Wireless Access Points, a Cisco Meraki 48 port switch, highly reliable internet with auto failover LTE backup, and Wi-Fi for guests and back-of-house operations if internet speeds are sufficient. Franchisees must also contract with a Hardees-approved managed service provider, currently limited to AT&T and One Source Communications, to monitor and manage their network equipment. Franchisees are responsible for procuring and installing dedicated data lines, including telephone and/or high-speed Internet connections, modems, and other computer-related equipment as specified by Hardees.