Is Hardees allowed to modify the required training program for franchisees?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ion. These drawings and plans must be submitted to, and their use approved by, HR prior to the commencement of work. Franchisee shall complete the required modernization within the time reasonably specified by HR in its written notice.
- D. HR has the right, in its sole discretion, to waive, defer or permit variations from the standards of the System or the applicable agreement to any franchisee or prospective franchisee based on the peculiarities of a particular site, existing building configuration or circumstance, density of population, business potential, trade area population or any other condition or circumstance. HR shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to deny any such request HR believes would not be in the best interests of the System.
- E. If Franchisee develops any new concepts, processes or improvements relating to the System, whether or not pursuant to an HR authorized test, Franchisee promptly shall notify HR and provide HR with all information regarding the new concept, process or improvement, all of which shall become the property of HR and its affiliates and which may be incorporated into the System without any payment to Franchisee. Franchisee, at its expense, promptly shall take all actions deemed necessary or desirable by HR to vest in HR ownership of such concepts, processes or improvements.
11. TRAINING
A. Franchise Management Training Program
HR shall provide Franchisee and those employees hired by Franchisee to fill certain designated positions the Franchise Management Training Program ("FMTP") in the operation of a Hardee's Restaurant at those times and those places designated by HR. The FMTP will include training at a Hardee's Restaurant designated by HR and training on Star University (StarU), our online Learning Management System. Franchisee, the General Manager, a minimum of 6 Shift Leaders and any other employees hired by Franchisee to fill certain designated positions shall attend and satisfactorily complete each element of the FMTP specified by HR. Franchisee's Operating Principal (as defined in Section 16.G.) also shall attend
and satisfactorily complete each element of the FMTP if not previously completed. HR reserves the right to modify or waive the training required based on an individual's or Franchisee's experience.
Franchisee shall pay HR for each person attending the FMTP a tuition fee as established by HR from time to time. Franchisee will be required to pay all travel, living and other expenses incurred by Franchisee's employees while attending the training.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 85)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Hardees has the right to modify the required training program for franchisees. Specifically, Hardees reserves the right to modify or waive the training required based on an individual's or franchisee's experience. This flexibility allows Hardees to tailor the training to the specific needs and prior experience of the franchisee and their employees.
Hardees also has the right to dismiss individuals from the training program if they do not believe the person will perform acceptably in their position. If this occurs, the franchisee is responsible for providing a suitable replacement within one month of the dismissal. This ensures that all personnel meet Hardees's standards for operation.
In addition to the initial Franchise Management Training Program (FMTP), Hardees can require franchisees, their owners, operating principal, general manager, and other employees to take and successfully complete other training courses. Hardees also reserves the right to require the franchisee to pay a tuition fee for these additional training programs. The franchisee is responsible for all travel, living, and other expenses incurred by their employees while attending any training programs.