Is attendance at Star University a required training tool for a Hardees Franchised Restaurant?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
individual's or your experience. We will provide the FMTP at those times and places designated by us. As described in Item 5, a Training Fee is charged to provide the FMTP to additional individuals. The FMTP will include restaurant training at a Hardee's Restaurant designated by us and training on Star University (StarU), our online Learning Management System.
In addition, we also provide you with access to our Learning Management System called Star University (StarU). Star University is a learning management platform which is used for the administration, tracking and reporting of learning and development programs. Currently, the fee associated with the use of this program is $14 per fiscal period (as defined by us, currently a 4-week accounting period), but we reserve the right to increase the fee in the future. In addition, you will be required to sign the Star University License Agreement (the current form is attached as Appendix I to the Franchise Agreement). The fee is paid to us but we pass this entire fee to a third-party vendor to help facilitate the t
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 44–57)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Star University (StarU) is a required training tool for a Hardees Franchised Restaurant. StarU is Hardees's online Learning Management System, used for administering, tracking, and reporting on learning and development programs. Franchisees are required to sign the Star University License Agreement. The use of StarU necessitates a high-speed internet connection and specific hardware, the costs of which are the franchisee's responsibility.
The fee associated with Star University is currently $14 per fiscal period, which is defined by Hardees as a 4-week accounting period. However, Hardees retains the right to increase this fee in the future. While the fee is paid to Hardees, the entire amount is then passed on to a third-party vendor to facilitate the training environment.
In addition to StarU, Hardees provides the Franchise Management Training Program (FMTP) to the franchisee, their Operating Principal (if not previously trained), their General Manager, and 6 Shift Leaders at no additional cost, provided the training occurs within 2 years of signing the Franchise Agreement. The FMTP includes restaurant training at a Hardee's Restaurant designated by Hardees and training on Star University. Franchisees are responsible for all travel, living, and other expenses incurred while attending the training programs. The minimum length of the FMTP is 8 consecutive weeks but can be shorter or longer depending on the trainee's prior experience.