Is there a charge for the initial TM or RM certification for Hck Hot Chicken franchisees?

According to Hck Hot Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there is no initial charge for the first Training Manager (TM) or Restaurant Manager (RM) certification. The FDD specifies that Hck Hot Chicken "will not charge for the certification of your first TM, or your RM." This is a notable benefit for new franchisees as it reduces initial training costs.

However, franchisees are required to pay the then-current fees and expenses for any additional certifications, re-certifications, or multiple certification attempts. All certifications are subject to Hck Hot Chicken's capacity and scheduling requirements. The FDD also states that franchisees must have at least one RM and, for as long as they have the obligation to open one or more Restaurants, one TM on staff when they own three or more Restaurants.

While Hck Hot Chicken does not charge for the certification itself, franchisees must pay the On-Site Training Fee described in Item 5 for each Restaurant they open. This distinction is important for budgeting purposes, as franchisees need to account for the on-site training fees in addition to potential costs for additional or repeated certifications. This fee structure is not uncommon in the franchise industry, where franchisors often separate certification fees from on-site training expenses.