Under what conditions might Hardees modify or waive the required Franchise Management Training Program (FMTP)?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Overview will be conducted at those locations specified by us. As described in Item 5, we may charge a fee for this training program, and you will be required to pay all travel, living and other expenses incurred in attending this training program. The persons participating in the 10-Day Operations Overview will be required to execute the Preliminary Agreement.
We currently provide the FMTP to you, your Operating Principal (if not previously trained), your General Manager and 6 other employees whom you have hired as Shift Leaders, at no additional cost to you, provided that the training takes place within 2 years of your signing the Franchise Agreement. We reserve, however, the right to modify or waive the training required based on an individual's or your experience. We will provide the FMTP at those times and places designated by us. As described in Item 5, a Training Fee is charged to provide the FMTP to additional individuals.
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, Hardees reserves the right to modify or waive the required Franchise Management Training Program (FMTP) based on an individual's or the franchisee's prior experience. This means that if a prospective franchisee or their employees, such as the Operating Principal or General Manager, have relevant experience in the restaurant industry or management, Hardees may adjust the training program to suit their existing knowledge and skills. This could potentially shorten the training period or exempt them from certain modules altogether.
This flexibility in the FMTP can be beneficial for franchisees with prior experience as it allows them to focus on the specific aspects of the Hardees system that are new to them, potentially saving time and resources. However, it's important to note that Hardees retains the sole discretion to determine whether an individual's experience is sufficient to warrant a modification or waiver of the training program. Franchisees should be prepared to provide documentation or evidence of their experience to support their request.
The FDD also mentions that the minimum length of the FMTP is 8 consecutive weeks, but this can be adjusted depending on the trainee's prior experience. Hardees also provides access to Star University (StarU), an online Learning Management System, which is a required training tool for the Franchised Restaurant. While the initial FMTP is provided at no additional cost for up to 8 individuals, additional training or the use of StarU may incur fees. Franchisees are responsible for all travel, living, and other expenses incurred while attending the training programs.