What are the 'Plans' that a 7 Brew franchisee must follow during construction?
7_Brew Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must develop the Store at your expense. You must follow our construction guidelines and mandatory specifications and layouts for a 7 BREW Store (collectively, "Plans"), including requirements for dimensions, design, interior layout, improvements, color scheme, décor, signage, and Operating Assets. All other decisions regarding the Store's development are subject to our review and prior written approval. Our Plans might not reflect the requirements of any federal, state, or local laws, codes, ordinances, or regulations (collectively, "Laws"), including those arising under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any Lease requirements or restrictions. You are solely responsible for complying with all Laws and must inform us of any changes to the Store's specifications that you believe are necessary to ensure such compliance. You (and not we) are responsible for the performance of architects, contractors, and subcontractors you hire to develop and maintain the Store and for ensuring that sufficient insurance coverage is in place during and after the construction process. We are not responsible for delays in or losses resulting from the Store's construction, equipping, or decoration, as we have no control over the landlord 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.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 82–83)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to 7 Brew's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to adhere to specific construction guidelines and mandatory specifications and layouts, collectively referred to as "Plans", when developing their store. These Plans encompass requirements for dimensions, design, interior layout, improvements, color scheme, décor, signage, and Operating Assets.
The franchisee is responsible for adapting these Plans to comply with all applicable laws and lease requirements, creating what are termed "Adapted Plans". 7 Brew retains the right to pre-approve the franchisee's proposed architect and must provide written approval of the Adapted Plans before construction begins, as well as any revised plans during construction. However, 7 Brew's review is limited to ensuring compliance with their own Plans and does not extend to verifying compliance with local laws or lease restrictions, which remain the franchisee's responsibility.
During the store's build-out, 7 Brew may conduct physical inspections or request photographic evidence of the store's interior and exterior to ensure adherence to Brand Standards. The franchisee is responsible for the performance of all hired architects, contractors, and subcontractors, as well as ensuring adequate insurance coverage throughout the construction process. 7 Brew is not liable for any delays or losses resulting from the store's construction, equipping, or decoration.