Regarding the operation of a Hardees franchise, what responsibilities does the franchisee have concerning employees?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
During the term of this Agreement, Franchisee shall use the Franchised Location solely for the operation of the Franchised Restaurant and shall maintain sufficient inventories, adequately staff each shift with qualified employees and continuously operate the Franchised Restaurant at its maximum capacity and efficiency for the minimum number of days and hours set forth in the OPM or as HR otherwise prescribes in writing (subject to the requirements of local laws and licensing requirements).
Franchisee shall employ only suitable persons of good character and reputation who will at all times conduct themselves in a competent and courteous manner in accordance with the image and reputation of HR and the System and, while on duty, comply with the dress attire, personal appearance and hygiene standards set forth in the OPM. Franchisee shall use its best efforts to ensure that Franchisee's employees maintain a neat and clean appearance and render competent and courteous service to all customers and fellow employees of the Franchised Restaurant.
HR shall provide Franchisee and those employees hired by Franchisee to fill certain designated positions the Franchise Management Training Program ("FMTP") in the operation of a Hardee's Restaurant at those times and those places designated by HR. The FMTP will include training at a Hardee's Restaurant designated by HR and training on Star University (StarU), our online 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.
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's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have several responsibilities regarding their employees. Hardees requires franchisees to adequately staff each shift with qualified employees and continuously operate the restaurant at maximum capacity and efficiency. Franchisees must ensure their employees comply with Hardees's training requirements. Specifically, the franchisee, the General Manager, a minimum of 6 Shift Leaders and any other employees hired by Franchisee to fill certain designated positions must attend and satisfactorily complete each element of the Franchise Management Training Program (FMTP) specified by Hardees. Franchisees are responsible for paying tuition fees and covering all travel, living, and other expenses incurred by their employees while attending training programs. Hardees reserves the right to dismiss anyone from the training program they deem unfit, and the franchisee must provide a suitable replacement within one month. Franchisees must also enter into a Star University License Agreement with Hardees for online training.
Hardees also sets standards for employee conduct and appearance. Franchisees must employ only suitable persons of good character and reputation who conduct themselves competently and courteously, adhering to the dress attire, personal appearance, and hygiene standards outlined in the OPM (Operations Procedures Manual). Franchisees are expected to ensure their employees maintain a neat and clean appearance and provide competent and courteous service to customers and fellow employees.
These requirements ensure that Hardees restaurants maintain consistent standards of service, cleanliness, and operational efficiency, which are crucial for brand reputation and customer satisfaction. Franchisees must invest in training and monitor employee performance to meet Hardees's expectations. Failure to comply with these standards can lead to intervention from Hardees, potentially resulting in the franchisee being charged for Hardees's costs and expenses in resolving issues.