As a Hardees franchisee, am I responsible for reimbursing Hardees for the costs associated with inspections of my restaurant?

According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, as a franchisee, you are responsible for reimbursing Hardees for costs associated with inspections of your restaurant. Hardees has the right to inspect your restaurant at any reasonable time without prior notice to ensure compliance with the franchise agreement, quality standards, operating procedures, and brand standards.

These inspections may include observing operations, taking photos and videos, removing samples for testing (without payment for the samples), interviewing personnel and customers, and inspecting records. You are required to cooperate fully with Hardees during these inspections and immediately correct any deficiencies found. This includes ceasing the sale of unauthorized items, correcting food safety issues, and stopping the use of non-conforming equipment or supplies.

Furthermore, if Hardees deems any deficiencies to create an imminent health hazard, they may direct you to temporarily close the restaurant until the issues are resolved to their satisfaction. You are also required to present customer evaluation forms and participate in surveys as directed by Hardees. The FDD clearly states that you, as the franchisee, will reimburse Hardees for all costs related to these inspections and related activities.