Who is responsible for acquiring, operating, maintaining, and upgrading the 7 Brew Computer System?
7_Brew Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Despite your obligation to buy, use, and maintain the Computer System according to our standards and specifications, you have sole and complete responsibility for: (1) acquiring, operating, maintaining, and upgrading the Computer System; (2) the manner in which your Computer System interfaces with our and any third party's computer system; (3) any and all consequences if the Computer System is not properly operated, maintained, and upgraded; and (4) independently determining what is required for you to comply (and then complying) at all times with the most-current version of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, and with all laws (including privacy laws) governing the use, disclosure, and protection of Consumer Data and the Computer System, and validating compliance with those standards and laws as periodically required.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 34–45)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to 7 Brew's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee bears the responsibility for the computer system. Despite 7 Brew's standards and specifications for the Computer System, the franchisee has sole responsibility for acquiring, operating, maintaining, and upgrading it. This includes ensuring the Computer System interfaces correctly with 7 Brew's and any third party's systems.
The franchisee is also responsible for any consequences resulting from improper operation, maintenance, or upgrades to the Computer System. Furthermore, the franchisee must independently determine and comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards and all laws, including privacy laws, related to Consumer Data and the Computer System. This also includes validating compliance with these standards and laws as required.
This means that while 7 Brew mandates the use of a specific Computer System, the franchisee is fully accountable for its functionality, security, and legal compliance. The franchisee must stay updated with technological developments and security standards, bearing the costs of upgrades and support. This allocation of responsibility is fairly typical in franchising, where franchisees manage day-to-day operations and related systems while adhering to the franchisor's brand standards and required technologies.