What topics are covered in the Hardees OPM regarding management, employee training, and business practices?
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 OPM (Operating Procedures Manual) is a comprehensive guide covering various aspects of running a Hardees franchise. It includes detailed standards, specifications, instructions, requirements, methods, and procedures for the management and operation of the franchised restaurant.
The OPM addresses key operational areas such as the selection, purchase, storage, preparation, packaging, ingredients, recipes, service, and sale of all products and beverages. It also provides guidance on management and employee training programs, ensuring that franchisees and their staff are well-versed in Hardees's operational standards.
Furthermore, the OPM covers marketing, advertising, and sales promotions to help franchisees attract and retain customers. It also includes information on the maintenance and repair of the restaurant building, grounds, equipment, graphics, signs, interior and exterior decor, fixtures, and furnishings. The manual also sets 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 must operate in strict compliance with the OPM, maintain its confidentiality, and only disclose its contents to employees with a need to know.