Does Hardees require franchisees to adequately staff each shift with qualified 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).
You must use the Franchised Restaurant solely for the operation of the Hardee's Restaurant and must maintain sufficient inventories, adequately staff each shift with qualified employees and continuously operate the Franchised Restaurant as we specify in the OPM or otherwise in writing.
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.
Any training that we may provide to any of your employees will be limited to training or guiding the employees regarding the delivery of approved products to customers in a manner that reflects the customer service standards of the Hardee's System. You are, and will remain, the sole employer of your employees at all times, including during all training programs, and you are solely responsible for all employment decisions and actions related to your employees. You are solely responsible for ensuring that your employees receive adequate training.
- (c) Franchisee and its employees at the Franchised Restaurant shall be in compliance with HR's then-current training requirements.
Source: Item 16 — Restrictions on What the Franchisee May Sell (FDD pages 63–64)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to adequately staff each shift with qualified employees. The franchisee must maintain sufficient inventories, adequately staff each shift with qualified employees, and continuously operate the franchised restaurant as specified in the Operations Procedure Manual (OPM) or as otherwise directed in writing by Hardees.
Hardees also provides a Franchise Management Training Program (FMTP) for the franchisee and certain designated employees. This program includes training at a Hardee's Restaurant and online training through Star University (StarU). The franchisee, General Manager, a minimum of 6 Shift Leaders, and other designated employees must attend and satisfactorily complete the FMTP. Hardees reserves the right to modify or waive training requirements based on experience.
Franchisees are responsible for ensuring their employees receive adequate training, and any training provided by Hardees is limited to the delivery of approved products and customer service standards. The franchisee remains the sole employer of their employees and is responsible for all employment decisions. Franchisees and their employees must also comply with Hardees' then-current training requirements to remain in good standing with the franchise agreement.