During the Development Term for a Hardees franchise, what specific activity should the Developer and Development Principal devote their best efforts to?

According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, during the Development Term, both the Developer and the Development Principal are required to dedicate their best efforts to the development, management, and operation of the Franchised Restaurants within the designated Development Territory. This means that the individuals responsible for bringing Hardees restaurants to a specific area must actively work towards establishing and running those locations effectively.

This requirement underscores the importance Hardees places on the active involvement of its developers in ensuring the successful rollout and management of new franchise locations. It is not merely a passive investment, but an active commitment to building and maintaining the brand's presence in the territory. The Development Principal, in particular, may need to devote full-time efforts to supervising the development of the Franchised Restaurants and avoid other business activities that demand substantial management responsibility, unless a Multi-Unit Development Manager is approved by Hardees.

For a prospective Hardees franchisee, this implies a significant time and effort commitment, especially during the initial development phase. Franchisees should be prepared to be hands-on in the development and management of their restaurants. If the Development Principal cannot meet these requirements, Hardees may require the appointment of a Multi-Unit Development Manager who can fulfill these obligations. This ensures that the development of Hardees restaurants proceeds efficiently and in accordance with the brand's standards.