What is the purpose of the Initial Training Program for a Southern Steer franchise?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Initial Training Program.
To educate, familiarize and acquaint the Franchisee (or the Operating Principal) and the Designated Manager with the System and the operations of a Southern Steer Business, the Franchisor will provide the then-current initial training program ("Initial Training Program").
The curriculum for the Initial Training Program will be determined by Franchisor and may include home-study materials.
- (a) Timing.
The Initial Training Program will take place prior to Franchisee's Required Opening Date and will be conducted for up to two weeks, as determined by Franchisor.
Franchisee or its Operating Principal and the Designated Manager must satisfactorily complete the Initial Training Program no later than 30 days prior to Franchisee's scheduled Required Opening Date.
- (b) Location.
The Initial Training Program will take place at Franchisor's headquarters or such other location designated by Franchisor.
- (c) Number of Attendees at the Initial Training Program.
In addition to Franchisee or the Operating Principal and the Designated Manager, Franchisee may, upon Franchisor's approval and space availability, elect to have additional people attend the Initial Training Program.
If Franchisee elects to have additional people attend the Initial Training Program, Franchisor may charge Franchisee the then current Additional Training Fee as set out in Section 3.2(c).
Franchisee will also pay all travel, living expenses and wages, if any, that Franchisee's additional attendees incur to attend the Initial Training Program.
- 6.2.
Completing the Initial Training Program.
The Franchisee or the Operating Principal and the Designated Manager must successfully complete the Initial Training Program and be certified in writing by the Franchisor prior to the actual opening of the Franchisee's Southern Steer Business.
- 6.3.
Changes in Personnel After Required Opening Date.
All new Operating Principals and Designated Managers appointed or hired after the Required Opening Date of the Southern Steer Business must attend the Initial Training Program within 45 days (or such time as is designated by Franchisor) after the date of appointment or hiring.
Franchisee will pay Franchisor the then current training fee for any replacement Operating Principals and Designated Managers that attend the Initial Training Program.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Initial Training Program is designed to educate, familiarize, and acquaint the franchisee (or the Operating Principal) and the Designated Manager with the Southern Steer system and the operations of a Southern Steer Business. The curriculum is determined by Southern Steer and may include home-study materials. This program is a crucial step in ensuring that franchisees and their key personnel are well-prepared to manage and operate their franchise effectively.
The Initial Training Program takes place before the franchisee's Required Opening Date and lasts for up to two weeks, as determined by Southern Steer. The franchisee or their Operating Principal and the Designated Manager must satisfactorily complete the Initial Training Program no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled Required Opening Date. The training occurs at Southern Steer's headquarters or another location designated by Southern Steer. Franchisees need to factor in the time commitment for themselves and their designated manager to attend the training, as well as any travel and living expenses.
In addition to the franchisee, Operating Principal, and Designated Manager, the franchisee can request to have additional people attend the Initial Training Program, subject to Southern Steer's approval and space availability. If additional attendees are approved, the franchisee may be charged an Additional Training Fee, and they will be responsible for covering all travel, living expenses, and wages for these additional attendees. This allows franchisees the option to further train their staff, although it comes at an additional cost.
Successful completion of the Initial Training Program is mandatory. The franchisee or the Operating Principal and the Designated Manager must successfully complete the Initial Training Program and receive written certification from Southern Steer before the Southern Steer Business can open. Furthermore, any new Operating Principals and Designated Managers appointed or hired after the Required Opening Date must attend the Initial Training Program within 45 days (or as designated by Southern Steer) of their appointment or hiring, with the franchisee responsible for paying the then-current training fee. This ensures that all key personnel are properly trained and up-to-date with the Southern Steer system.