When do Hardees franchisees begin paying Software Support Fees to CKR?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 3.1 Software Support Fees. Commencing at the end of the first Fiscal Period following the date of this Agreement, Franchisee shall pay to CKR, by ACH payment, the Software Support Fees in the amounts and frequency set forth on Exhibit A. CKR shall have the right, upon 60 days' prior written notice to Franchisee, to increase the Support Services Fees.
- 3.2 Initial Training Support for PAR Brink and Crunch Time Software. In order to facilitate the support services, Franchisee agrees to purchase and participate in mandatory initial training programs for
use of the PAR Brink and Crunch Time software. The scope of the training programs for each software is set forth on Exhibit C to this Agreement. The cost for the training programs shall be a one-time fee of $1,250 which will be billed to the Franchisee by CKR upon execution of this Agreement. Additional training programs may be made available to Franchisee, at CKR's discretion, for additional training fees.
- 1.3 "Fiscal Period" or "Period" means a four-week accounting period as defined by CKR.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 85–541)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to pay Software Support Fees to CKR (CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.) starting at the end of the first Fiscal Period following the date of the Software Support Agreement. The Fiscal Period is defined as a four-week accounting period as defined by CKR. These fees are paid via ACH payment, with the specific amounts and frequency detailed in Exhibit A of the agreement.
CKR retains the right to increase the Software Support Fees, but they must provide the franchisee with 60 days' prior written notice before implementing any changes. This allows franchisees some time to adjust their financial planning in response to potential fee increases. The fees cover in-house technical support provided by CKR for the Licensed Products and Covered Equipment, which include the point-of-sale system and back office computer systems used at the Hardees restaurant.
In addition to the ongoing Software Support Fees, Hardees franchisees must also participate in mandatory initial training programs for the PAR Brink and Crunch Time software. This training is a one-time cost of $1,250, which CKR will bill to the franchisee upon execution of the Software Support Agreement. Additional training programs may be available at CKR's discretion, but these would incur additional fees. This initial investment ensures that franchisees and their staff are proficient in using the software systems necessary for operating the Hardees franchise.
It is important for prospective Hardees franchisees to carefully review Exhibit A of the Software Support Agreement to understand the exact amounts and frequency of the Software Support Fees. Franchisees should also factor in the initial training costs and the potential for future fee increases when assessing the overall financial investment required to operate a Hardees franchise.