Is there an additional cost for the Initial Training Program for a Southern Steer franchise?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Initial Training Program described in the above charts are provided to You at no additional cost to You. You or Your Operating Principal and Your Designated Manager must satisfactorily complete the Initial Training Program no later than 30 days before the scheduled opening of Your Southern Steer Business. We will also provide up to three trainers for on-site, opening assistance for up to 10 days ("On-Site Assistance"). Generally, On-Site Assistance will take place immediately prior to and during Your grand opening at Your Southern Steer Business. You will pay the On-Site Assistance Fee prior to Our providing such assistance (see Items 5 and 7).
Your Southern Steer Business must always be under the supervision of a Designated Manager or Operating Principal who has satisfactorily completed Our Initial Training Program (as the case may be). Any new Designated Manager or Operating Principal must attend Our Initial Training Program at Your sole cost and expense prior to being in charge of Your Southern Steer Business. You are solely responsible for the costs and expenses associated with a replacement Designated Manager or Operating Principal attending the Initial Training Program, including the then prevailing standard rates charged by Us for additional training and all travel and living expenses and compensation for such replacement Designated Manager or Operating Principal.
You must obtain our approval prior to training any assistant store managers and other certain key employees for Your Southern Steer Business. In the event You are not meeting operational standards or otherwise do not have the program to train assistant store managers and other certain key employees We may require that such assistant store managers and other key employees attend training at our headquarters or other designated location at Your cost and expense, including travel expenses and any then-current training fees.
We may also provide additional training if, during the term of the Franchise Agreement, We determine that additional training is necessary. We may charge You a fee for such additional training. Finally, We may periodically conduct additional training sessions, Brand Conferences, seminars, and programs, and if We do, We will determine its duration, curriculum, and location. We strongly encourage You to attend these additional training sessions, Brand Conferences, seminars and programs and We reserve the right to require You to do so.
Source: Item 11 — ITEM. 11 FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 26–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial training program is provided at no additional cost for the franchisee, or their Operating Principal and Designated Manager. This training must be completed no later than 30 days before the scheduled opening of the Southern Steer business. However, franchisees are responsible for travel, living expenses, and wages incurred while attending the training program.
If the franchisee wants more than two participants to attend the Initial Training Program, they must obtain prior approval from Southern Steer and may be charged the then-current fees for each additional participant. The franchisee is also responsible for all costs and expenses associated with a replacement Designated Manager or Operating Principal attending the Initial Training Program, including the standard rates charged for additional training, travel and living expenses, and compensation for the replacement.
Southern Steer may also provide additional training during the term of the Franchise Agreement if deemed necessary, and a fee may be charged for this additional training. They may also periodically conduct additional training sessions, Brand Conferences, seminars, and programs, determining the duration, curriculum, and location. While attendance is strongly encouraged, Southern Steer reserves the right to require attendance at these events.