Is participation in the Hardee's Gift Card Program mandatory for franchisees?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee must participate in the Hardee's Gift Card Program or other gift card program that HR specifies. If necessary, Franchisee must purchase the software, hardware, blank cards, and other items needed to sell and process gift cards or stored value cards, which HR may specify in writing in the OPM or otherwise. Franchisee must sell and honor gift cards only in accordance with HR's written standards. Franchisee must account for all gift card sales, gift card redemptions, and other gift card transactions in the manner HR specifies in this Agreement and the OPM or other standards. Franchisee agrees that it will enter into a Participation Agreement with HR's gift card service provider, Stored Value Systems, Inc., immediately after the opening of the Franchised Restaurant.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 85)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardee's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, participation in the Hardee's Gift Card Program is mandatory for franchisees. The franchisee must participate in the Hardee's Gift Card Program or any other gift card program that Hardee's specifies.
To participate, the franchisee is required to purchase the necessary software, hardware, blank cards, and other items needed to sell and process gift cards or stored-value cards, as specified by Hardee's. The franchisee must adhere to Hardee's written standards for selling and honoring gift cards.
Furthermore, the franchisee is responsible for accurately accounting for all gift card sales, redemptions, and other transactions as per Hardee's guidelines outlined in the agreement, the OPM (Operating Procedures Manual), or other standards. The franchisee must also enter into a Participation Agreement with Hardee's gift card service provider, Stored Value Systems, Inc., immediately after the restaurant opens.