In what capacity does the Afuri Ramen Dumpling Advisory Council serve?
Afuri_Ramen_Dumpling Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We may form an Advisory Council, which would be composed of franchisees and our representatives. The Council may work with us to improve the System, the products and services offered at franchised restaurants, advertising and promotional campaigns, and other matters. The franchisee representatives may be selected by us or may be selected by a vote of other franchisees in the System. The Council will serve in an advisory capacity only. If you participate on a Council, you will pay any costs you incur related to your participation, such as travel and living expenses to attend Council meetings. We will have the authority to dissolve, change and reform the Council.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 27–34)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Afuri Ramen Dumpling Franchise Disclosure Document, the Advisory Council serves in an advisory capacity only. This council, if formed by Afuri Ramen Dumpling, would consist of both franchisees and representatives from the company.
The purpose of the Advisory Council is to collaborate with Afuri Ramen Dumpling to enhance various aspects of the franchise system. This includes improvements to the system itself, the products and services offered at franchised restaurants, advertising and promotional campaigns, and other relevant matters. Franchisee representatives on the council may be selected either by Afuri Ramen Dumpling or through a vote by other franchisees within the system.
It's important to note that if a franchisee participates on the Advisory Council, they will be responsible for covering all costs associated with their participation. These costs include travel and living expenses incurred while attending council meetings. Afuri Ramen Dumpling retains the authority to dissolve, change, and reform the council as it sees fit, highlighting that the council's existence and structure are at the franchisor's discretion.