What standards and specifications for managing and operating a Hardees Franchised Restaurant are contained in the OPM?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The OPM contains detailed standards, specifications, instructions, requirements, methods and procedures for management and operation of the Franchised Restaurant. The OPM also may relate to the selection, purchase, storage, preparation, packaging, ingredients, recipes, service and sale of all products and beverages sold at the Franchised Restaurant; management and employee training; marketing, advertising and sales promotions; maintenance and repair of the Franchised Restaurant building, grounds, equipment, graphics, signs, interior and exterior decor items, fixtures and furnishings; employee dress attire and appearance standards; menu concept and graphics; and accounting, bookkeeping, records retention and other business systems, procedures, operations and brand standards. Franchisee agrees at all times to operate the Franchised Restaurant in strict conformity with the OPM; to maintain the OPM at the Franchised Restaurant; to not reproduce the OPM or any part of it; and to treat the OPM as confidential and proprietary, and, to disclose the contents of the OPM only to those employees of Franchisee who have a need to know.
Source: Item 14 — Patents, Copyrights, and Proprietary Information (FDD pages 61–62)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Operations Procedures Manual (OPM) contains the detailed standards, specifications, instructions, requirements, methods, and procedures for managing and operating a Hardees franchise. The OPM covers a wide array of operational aspects, ensuring consistency and adherence to brand standards across all franchise locations.
Specifically, the OPM addresses the selection, purchase, storage, preparation, packaging, ingredients, recipes, service, and sale of all products and beverages offered at the Hardees restaurant. It also includes guidelines for management and employee training, marketing, advertising, and sales promotions. Furthermore, the OPM details the maintenance and repair of the restaurant building, grounds, equipment, graphics, signs, interior and exterior decor items, fixtures, and furnishings.
In addition to the physical and operational elements, the OPM also provides standards for employee dress attire and appearance, menu concepts and graphics, and accounting, bookkeeping, records retention, and other business systems, procedures, operations, and brand standards. Franchisees are required to operate their Hardees restaurant in strict conformity with the OPM, maintain the OPM at the restaurant, and treat it as confidential and proprietary, disclosing its contents only to employees with a need to know. Hardees also has the right to amend the OPM and provide updates electronically.