If a Hardees franchisee's Operating Principal no longer meets the qualifications, how many days does the franchisee have to provide Hardees with written notice designating a qualified replacement?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If the Operating Principal no longer meets these qualifications, Franchisee must provide HR written notice designating a qualified person to act as Operating Principal within 30 days after the date the prior Operating Principal ceases to be qualified. HR shall advise Franchisee whether it has approved the new Operating Principal within a reasonable time after receipt of Franchisee's notice. If HR does not approve the proposed Operating Principal, Franchisee will have 15 days from its receipt of notice of the decision to advise HR in writing of another person to act as Operating Principal who satisfies the preceding qualifications.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 85)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if the Operating Principal no longer meets the qualifications, the franchisee has 30 days to provide Hardees with written notice designating a qualified person to act as the Operating Principal.
After the franchisee submits the notice, Hardees will then advise the franchisee whether it has approved the new Operating Principal within a reasonable time. If Hardees does not approve of the proposed Operating Principal, the franchisee has 15 days from the receipt of the notice of the decision to advise Hardees in writing of another person to act as Operating Principal who satisfies the qualifications.
This requirement ensures that each Hardees location has a qualified individual overseeing daily operations. The time frame allows for a transition period while maintaining brand standards and operational efficiency. Franchisees should be prepared to act quickly to find a suitable replacement to avoid any disruption to their business.