What happens if the company determines that a Jersey Mikes franchisee has not successfully completed training to the company's satisfaction?
Jersey_Mikes Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must successfully complete training to Company's satisfaction. This will be determined in the sole discretion of Company. If Company determines that you have not successfully completed training to Company's satisfaction, it may, at its sole discretion, return your f ranchise fee and terminate your Franchise Agreement or of fer you additional training. Company may, in its sole discretion, reduce or increase your training requirements based on your experience level and the relevant circumstances.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 35–51)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Jersey Mike's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must successfully complete the training program to the company's satisfaction, which is determined at Jersey Mike's sole discretion. If Jersey Mike's determines that a franchisee has not successfully completed the training, it has the option to either return the franchise fee and terminate the Franchise Agreement or offer additional training to the franchisee.
This clause gives Jersey Mike's significant control over who is allowed to operate a franchise. The initial training program is extensive, involving multiple phases and potentially weeks of on-the-job training. The fact that successful completion is based on Jersey Mike's "sole discretion" means there are no set criteria, creating some uncertainty for franchisees.
For a prospective franchisee, this underscores the importance of taking the training seriously and engaging fully. It would be prudent to clarify with Jersey Mike's what specific metrics or evaluations are used to assess successful completion of training. While the FDD does not specify the conditions under which Jersey Mike's would choose to offer additional training versus terminating the agreement, understanding this would be valuable for any potential franchisee.