After submitting construction plans for a proposed Hardees Restaurant, how long does Hardees have to notify the franchisee whether the plans are approved?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Furnish you with prototypical plans and specifications for a Franchised Restaurant, including requirements for dimensions, design, image, interior layout, décor, fixtures, equipment, signs, furnishings, storefront and color scheme. It will be your responsibility to have prepared all required construction plans and specifications to suit the shape and dimensions of the location of your Franchised Restaurant ("Franchised Location"), and you must ensure that these plans and specifications comply with applicable ordinances, building codes and permit requirements and with lease requirements and restrictions. You must use only registered architects, registered engineers and professional and licensed contractors. We will review your proposed construction plans for the proposed Hardee's Restaurant and notify you within 30 days (or such longer period as we require) after we receive the plans whether the plans are approved. (Franchise Agreement, §4.A.)
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 44–57)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, after a franchisee submits construction plans for a proposed Hardees Restaurant, Hardees will review the plans and notify the franchisee within 30 days whether the plans are approved. However, Hardees may require a longer period to complete the review.
It is the franchisee's responsibility to have all required construction plans and specifications prepared to suit the shape and dimensions of the restaurant location. The franchisee must also ensure that these plans and specifications comply with all applicable ordinances, building codes, permit requirements, and lease requirements and restrictions. Hardees requires that only registered architects, registered engineers, and professional and licensed contractors are used for the construction.
This process is typical in franchising, as franchisors need to ensure brand consistency and compliance with regulations. The franchisee bears the responsibility for creating compliant plans, but Hardees retains the right to approve them, ensuring that the restaurant meets Hardees's standards and legal requirements before construction proceeds.