Does the 7 Brew franchisor have the right to pre-approve the franchisee's proposed architect?
7_Brew Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
andlord or architects, contractors, and subcontractors.
You must adapt the Plans for the Store (the "Adapted Plans") and make sure they comply with all Laws and Lease requirements and restrictions. We have the right to pre-approve your proposed architect. We must pre-approve in writing (i) the Adapted Plans before the Store's buildout begins and (ii) all revised or "as built" plans and specifications prepared during the Store's
construction and development. Our review of the Adapted Plans is limited to reviewing compliance with our Plans. Our review is not intended or designed to assess your compliance with Laws or Lease requirements and restrictions; compliance in those areas is your responsibility. You must develop the Store in accordance with the Adapted Plans we have approved. We own the Plans and all Adapted Plans. During the Store's build-out, we may physically inspect the Store or require you to send us pictures and images (including recordings) of the Store's interior and exterior so we can review your development of the Store in accordance with our Brand Standards.
You agree at your expense to construct, install all trade dress and Operating Assets in, and otherwise develop the Store according to our standards, specifications, and directions. The Store must contain all Operating Assets, and only those Operating Assets, we specify or pre-approve. You agree to place or display at the Store (interior and exterior), according to our guidelines, only the signs, emblems, lettering, logos, and display materials we approve from time to time.
You agree to purchase or lease from time to time only approved brands, types, and models of Operating Assets according to our standards and specifications and, at our direction, only from one or more suppliers we designate or approve (which may include or be limited to us and/or certain of our affiliates). "Operating Assets" means all required furniture, fixtures, signs, and equipment (including components of and required software licenses for the Computer System (defined in Section 7.E)) we periodically require for the Store.
D. Opening
Despite the Opening Deadline, you may not open the Store for business until:
- (1) we or our designee inspects and approves in writing the Store as having been developed in accordance with our specifications and standards.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 82–83)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to 7 Brew's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, 7 Brew has the right to pre-approve a franchisee's proposed architect. The franchisee is responsible for the performance of the architect they hire. The franchisee must adapt 7 Brew's standard store plans to comply with all applicable laws and lease requirements. These adapted plans must be pre-approved in writing by 7 Brew before the store build-out begins.
7 Brew's review of the adapted plans is limited to ensuring compliance with 7 Brew's standard plans and does not assess compliance with local laws or lease requirements. The franchisee is solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all laws and lease terms. The franchisee must develop the store according to the approved adapted plans. 7 Brew owns the original plans and all adaptations.
During the store's construction, 7 Brew may conduct physical inspections or request photos and recordings of the store's interior and exterior to ensure compliance with brand standards. This allows 7 Brew to maintain uniformity and quality across all franchise locations. The franchisee bears the responsibility for any issues arising from the performance of their chosen architect, contractors, and subcontractors, as well as ensuring adequate insurance coverage during and after construction.