Is an Afuri Ramen Dumpling franchisee allowed to establish their own website to promote the brand or their franchise?
Afuri_Ramen_Dumpling Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
tional material until we approve it.
You will not establish a website to promote our brand or your Franchise. We will list your location on our website.
We retain the exclusive right to use social media to promote our brand. You shall not use our brand or promote your Franchise in any form of social media without our prior written approval, which we may grant or withhold at our sole and absolute discretion. If we approve, then your use of social media must be in strict compliance with our standards as outlined in our Operations Manual.
Advertising Cooperatives
We have the power to require cooperatives to be formed, changed, dissolved, or merged. We may designate local, regional or national advertising coverage areas to develop cooperative local or regional advertising and promotional programs.
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, franchisees are not permitted to establish their own websites to promote the brand or their franchise. However, Afuri Ramen Dumpling will list the franchisee's location on its own website.
Additionally, Afuri Ramen Dumpling retains the exclusive right to use social media to promote the brand. Franchisees are prohibited from using the brand or promoting their franchise on any form of social media without prior written approval from Afuri Ramen Dumpling, which may be granted or withheld at their sole discretion. If social media use is approved, it must strictly comply with the standards outlined in Afuri Ramen Dumpling's Operations Manual.
This policy ensures that Afuri Ramen Dumpling maintains control over its brand image and online presence. While franchisees cannot independently create websites or social media profiles, they may use their own advertising materials for local advertising programs, provided that all advertising copy and promotional materials are submitted to Afuri Ramen Dumpling for approval before use.