Is Hardees permitted to require franchisees, their owners, the Operating Principal, the General Manager, and other designated employees to take additional training courses?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ne Learning Management System. Franchisee, the General Manager, a minimum of 6 Shift Leaders and any other employees hired by Franchisee to fill certain designated positions shall attend and satisfactorily complete each element of the FMTP specified by HR. Franchisee's Operating Principal (as defined in Section 16.G.) also shall attend
and satisfactorily complete each element of the FMTP if not previously completed. HR reserves the right to modify or waive the training required based on an individual's or Franchisee's experience.
Franchisee shall pay HR for each person attending the FMTP a tuition fee as established by HR from time to time. Franchisee will be required to pay all travel, living and other expenses incurred by Franchisee's employees while attending the training. HR reserves the right to dismiss from the training program any person whom HR does not believe will perform acceptably in the position for which he has been hired by Franchisee and Franchisee shall provide a suitable replacement within one month of such dismissal.
B. Other Training
Prior to the Opening Date, Franchisee shall enter into the Star University License Agreement with HR, in the form attached as Appendix I.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 85)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Hardees retains the right to mandate additional training courses for franchisees, their owners, the Operating Principal, the General Manager, and other designated employees. Hardees can exercise this right at any time and at its sole discretion. These additional training courses may include food safety certification programs, and franchisees must maintain certificates of completion at the restaurant, displaying them if required by law.
This means that as a Hardees franchisee, you, your management team, and potentially other employees may be required to attend further training beyond the initial Franchise Management Training Program (FMTP). Hardees reserves the right to charge tuition fees for these additional programs, and franchisees are responsible for covering all travel, living, and other expenses incurred by their employees while attending the training.
Hardees also requires franchisees to conduct initial and continuing training programs for their employees, ensuring all employees are properly trained in the restaurant's operation. This includes maintaining compliance with Hardees' current training requirements. The franchisee is responsible for hiring, training, and supervising competent employees and establishing a training program that meets Hardees' standards.
This requirement ensures that Hardees can maintain consistent brand standards and adapt to changing industry practices or regulations. While it adds to the operational costs for the franchisee, it also provides an opportunity to enhance employee skills and knowledge, potentially improving restaurant performance and customer satisfaction. Prospective franchisees should factor in these potential additional training costs and time commitments when evaluating the Hardees franchise opportunity.