When is a Hardees franchisee required to pay the Opening Training Support Fee?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ay a nonrefundable fee of up to $500 per person for this training program. You must pay all travel, living and other expenses incurred by your personnel while attending the 10-Day Operations Overview.
All-Star Team Opening Training Support
You will receive opening assistance support from our All-Star Team (the "Opening Training Support Team") in connection with the opening of your first Franchised Restaurant (or your first two Franchised Restaurants if you are multi-restaurant developer). You must reimburse us for the salaries, administrative fees, meals, travel and lodging expenses of the Opening Training Support Team members while they are trainers at your Franchised Restaurant, which amounts you will be required to pay to us within the month following completion of the opening of the Franchised Restaurant (collectively such amounts, the "Opening Training Support Fee"). We estimate that the Opening Training Support Fees will range between $32,000 to $70,000. We
Source: Item 5 — Initial Fees (FDD pages 27–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is required to pay the Opening Training Support Fee within the month following the completion of the opening of their franchised restaurant. This fee covers the salaries, administrative costs, meals, travel, and lodging for the All-Star Team Opening Training Support members while they are training at the franchisee's location.
The Opening Training Support Team provides assistance during the opening of a franchisee's first restaurant, or the first two restaurants if the franchisee is a multi-restaurant developer. The level of support is determined by Hardees, and they reserve the right to modify the assistance provided. The estimated cost for these fees ranges from $32,000 to $70,000.
It is important for prospective Hardees franchisees to budget accordingly for these expenses, as they can be substantial. Franchisees should also confirm the level of support to be provided by the All-Star Team to get a more precise estimate of the Opening Training Support Fee they will be required to pay. Understanding these costs upfront is crucial for managing the initial investment required to open a Hardees franchise.