What level of effort is required of the Multi-Unit Development Manager in supervising the development of Hardees Franchised Restaurants?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If Developer is developing Franchised Restaurants in multiple geographic markets, for all markets in which the Development Principal fails to satisfy the requirements of Section 8.F., Developer shall designate and retain an individual to serve as Multi-Unit Development Manager. The Multi-Unit Development Manager shall be under the supervision of the Development Principal. The Multi-Unit Development Manager shall meet all of the following qualifications:
- (1) The Multi-Unit Development Manager shall devote full time and best efforts to supervising the development of the Franchised Restaurants and other restaurants operated by Developer that are franchised by HR or its affiliates in a geographic market and shall not engage in any other business or activity, directly or indirectly, that requires substantial management responsibility.
- (2) Unless waived in writing by HR, the Multi-Unit Development Manager shall maintain his primary residence within a reasonable driving distance of the Development Territory.
- (3) If requested by HR, the Multi-Unit Development Manager shall successfully complete HR's development training. In addition, the Multi-Unit Development Manager shall successfully complete the FMTP and any additional training required by HR.
- (4) HR shall have approved the Multi-Unit Development Manager, and not have later withdrawn that approval.
If a Multi-Unit Development Manager no longer qualifies as such, Developer shall designate another qualified person to act as Multi-Unit Development Manager within 30 days after the date the prior Multi-Unit Manager ceases to be qualified. Developer's designee to become Multi-Unit Development Manager must successfully complete the FMTP and any additional development training required by HR.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 85–541)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a Multi-Unit Development Manager must devote full-time and best efforts to supervising the development of Hardees Franchised Restaurants. This individual is responsible for overseeing the development of franchised restaurants and other restaurants operated by the developer that are also franchised by HR or its affiliates within a specific geographic market. The Multi-Unit Development Manager cannot engage in any other business or activity that demands substantial management responsibility, ensuring their complete focus on Hardees restaurant development.
Unless Hardees waives it in writing, the Multi-Unit Development Manager must live within a reasonable driving distance of the Development Territory. This requirement ensures that the manager can effectively oversee and respond to the needs of the development projects. Additionally, if Hardees requests, the Multi-Unit Development Manager must successfully complete Hardees's development training, including the Franchise Management Training Program (FMTP), and any other training Hardees deems necessary.
Hardees must approve the Multi-Unit Development Manager, and this approval cannot be withdrawn later. If a Multi-Unit Development Manager no longer meets the qualifications, the developer has 30 days to designate another qualified person for the role. The replacement manager must also complete the FMTP and any additional required development training. These stipulations ensure that Hardees maintains control over the quality and standards of its franchise development process, and that the individuals overseeing development are fully trained and committed to the Hardees system.