How must an Aerus franchisee identify themselves as the owner of the Franchised Business?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Subject to Company's prior approval, the Franchised Business shall be identified and operated by Franchisee only under the assumed name (the "Approved Name") "Aerus"
(including such qualifiers and descriptions as may be set or approved by Company from time to time so as to geographically or otherwise distinguish one franchise from another), including the hanging of an approved exterior sign bearing such trade name; provided, that Company shall be permitted at any time and from time to time after the date of this Agreement, upon written notice, to alter or change the assumed name under which the Franchised Business shall be identified and operated.
Franchisee shall, at its expense, make all county and state assumed name filings required by law (including any filings made necessary by a change in required trade names pursuant hereto) and provide evidence of such filing to Company.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 74–305)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aerus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must operate and identify their franchised business under the assumed name "Aerus." This name must include qualifiers and descriptions approved by Aerus to differentiate franchises geographically or otherwise. The franchisee is also required to display an approved exterior sign bearing this trade name. However, Aerus retains the right to change the assumed name at any time with written notice.
This means that a prospective Aerus franchisee has limited control over the branding of their business. While they can include qualifiers to distinguish their location, the primary brand name remains under Aerus's control. This ensures brand consistency across all franchise locations but also means franchisees must adapt to any branding changes implemented by Aerus.
Furthermore, the franchisee is responsible for all costs associated with the required county and state assumed name filings, including any filings necessitated by changes to the trade names. Evidence of these filings must be provided to Aerus. This requirement ensures that the franchisee is legally compliant and that Aerus has a record of the franchisee's legal business name and any associated changes.