For Hck Hot Chicken, what expenses are the franchisee responsible for regarding training programs?
Hck_Hot_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 6.6 Annual Convention.
Franchisee, or if Franchisee is an Entity, its Operating Principal, or a major Owner acceptable to Franchisor, must attend Franchisor's annual convention, for which Franchisee must pay a registration fee, regardless of attendance.
Franchisee shall be responsible for all of its attendee's Travel Expenses and Wages.
However, Franchisor may preclude Franchisee from attending Franchisor's annual convention, while Franchisee is then in default of any agreement with Franchisor or if Franchisee has received two or more notices of Default in the prior twelve months, but Franchisee is still required to pay the convention registration fee.
- 6.5 Certification Training.
Franchisor offers two types of HCK Hot Chicken certifications ("Certifications"): (1) training manager ("TM"); and (2) restaurant manager ("RM").
Franchisee must have at least one certified Restaurant Manager at each open and operating Restaurant.
At Franchisee's reasonable request, Franchisor will train Franchisee, or an employee of Franchisee approved by Franchisor to become a training manager, who may thereafter conduct new Restaurant opening training programs.
Training Manager also may provide the Initial Training Program to Franchisee's Restaurant Manager(s) and assistant Restaurant Manager(s).
The Training Manager may only conduct the Initial Training Program at a training facility owned by Franchisee (or an Affiliate of Franchisee).
If Franchisee (and/or its Affiliates), collectively, owns three or more Restaurants, Franchisee must at all times employ a TM; otherwise, upon the opening of its fourth (or higher) Restaurant, Franchisee must pay Franchisor: (i) a non-refundable additional training fee of $5,000 prior to the start of initial training for the new Restaurant; and (ii) the then-current fees for Franchisee's Restaurant Manager(s) and assistant Restaurant Manager(s) to attend the Initial Training Program..
Franchisor reserves the right to decertify and recertify any Restaurant Manager or Training Manager.
Franchisor will provide certification for Franchisee's first Training Manager at no cost.
Franchisor will also certify one Operating Principal and Director of Operations of Franchisee (including any Affiliates) at no cost.
Franchisor reserves the right to charge its then-current fees (in addition to being reimbursed all out-of-pocket costs and expenses, including Franchisor's employees' Travel Expenses) for any other, additional, or subsequent certifications, re-certifications, or multiple certification attempts.
All certification and training is subject to Franchisor's capacity and scheduling requirements.
Source: Item 21 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (FDD page 54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hck Hot Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for specific expenses related to training programs. Hck Hot Chicken provides initial certification for the franchisee's first Training Manager, Operating Principal, and Director of Operations at no cost. However, the franchisee is responsible for the costs associated with any additional, subsequent, or re-certifications, including the franchisor's then-current fees and reimbursement of all out-of-pocket costs and expenses, such as travel expenses for the franchisor's employees. All training and certification are subject to Hck Hot Chicken's capacity and scheduling requirements.
If a franchisee (or its affiliates) owns three or more Hck Hot Chicken restaurants, they must employ a Training Manager. Otherwise, upon opening their fourth or subsequent restaurant, the franchisee must pay a non-refundable additional training fee of $5,000 before the start of initial training for the new restaurant. They must also cover the then-current fees for their Restaurant Manager(s) and assistant Restaurant Manager(s) to attend the Initial Training Program.
Franchisees are also responsible for travel expenses and wages for their attendees at the annual convention. They must pay a registration fee for the annual convention, regardless of whether they attend. Hck Hot Chicken may prevent a franchisee from attending the annual convention if they are in default of any agreement or have received two or more default notices in the prior twelve months, but the franchisee is still required to pay the convention registration fee.