As a Hardees franchisee, what are some examples of federal laws that I must comply with?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee shall secure and maintain in force in its name all required licenses, permits and certificates relating to the operation of the Franchised Restaurant. It is Franchisee's sole and absolute obligation to research all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the operation of the Franchised Restaurant and to ensure that such operation does not violate any federal, state or local law or regulation. For example, there are various federal laws that could affect the Franchised Restaurant and Franchisee must comply with such as the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the CAN-SPAM Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), and other federal and state anti-solicitation laws regulating marketing phone calls; and federal and state laws that regulate data security and privacy (including but not limited to the use, storage, transmission, and disposal of data regardless of media type). Franchisee must investigate these laws to understand your potential legal obligations. Further, Franchisee shall operate the Franchised Restaurant in full compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations governing or relating to the handling of food products, immigration and discrimination, occupational hazards and health insurance, employment laws, including, without limitation, worker's compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, and the withholding and payment of federal and state income taxes, social security taxes and sales taxes. All advertising and promotion by Franchisee shall be completely factual and shall conform to the highest standards of ethical advertising. Franchisee shall, in all dealings with Franchisee's customers, suppliers and the public, adhere to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, fair dealing and ethical conduct.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 85)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for researching and adhering to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of their franchised restaurant. This includes securing and maintaining all required licenses, permits, and certificates. Hardees franchisees must ensure their restaurant operations do not violate any of these laws.
Several federal laws are specifically mentioned as examples that Hardees franchisees must comply with. These include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which ensures accessibility and prohibits discrimination based on disability; the CAN-SPAM Act, which regulates commercial email; the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which restricts telemarketing calls and the use of automated telephone equipment; and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), which governs telemarketing practices. Additionally, franchisees must comply with federal and state laws that regulate data security and privacy, including the use, storage, transmission, and disposal of data.
Furthermore, Hardees franchisees must operate their restaurants in compliance with all laws, ordinances, and regulations related to handling food products, immigration and discrimination, occupational hazards and health insurance, and employment laws. This encompasses worker's compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, and the withholding and payment of federal and state income taxes, social security taxes, and sales taxes. Franchisees are also expected to ensure that all advertising and promotion is factual and adheres to the highest standards of ethical advertising. Franchisees must maintain honesty, integrity, fair dealing, and ethical conduct in all interactions with customers, suppliers, and the public.