If a potential franchisee is not currently a franchisee, what agreement may Hardees require them to sign?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you are not currently a franchisee, HR also may require you to sign a Preliminary Agreement (the current form is attached as Exhibit E) under which you must agree to keep confidential the information provided by HR to you during Discovery Day. During Discovery Day, you must attend a 2-day meeting at HR's offices and at a Hardee's Restaurant during which you will meet with, and be evaluated by, various HR personnel. In addition, we may require that your 10% Owners (as defined in Item 15) complete, as we deem necessary and to our satisfaction, an operations overview, which lasts approximately 10 business days ("10-Day Operations Overview").
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD pages 9–22)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Hardees FDD, if you are not currently a franchisee, Hardees may require you to sign a Preliminary Agreement. This agreement ensures that you keep confidential any information Hardees provides to you during Discovery Day.
Discovery Day involves a two-day meeting at Hardees' offices and a Hardees Restaurant. During this time, you will meet with and be evaluated by various Hardees personnel. This evaluation is a critical step in the franchise approval process, allowing Hardees to assess your suitability as a franchisee.
In addition to the Preliminary Agreement, Hardees may also require your 10% Owners to complete an operations overview lasting approximately 10 business days, if deemed necessary by Hardees. This overview provides a more in-depth look at the operational aspects of running a Hardees franchise and ensures that key stakeholders are well-informed and prepared. These measures help Hardees maintain consistency and quality across its franchise network by carefully vetting potential franchisees and their teams.