When purchasing an Afuri Ramen Dumpling franchise, what are the payment options available to the franchisor?

According to Afuri Ramen Dumpling's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may be required to pay Afuri Ramen Dumpling or its designated architect directly for architectural design services, at the franchisor's discretion. This implies that Afuri Ramen Dumpling retains control over how these payments are made, offering flexibility in directing funds either to themselves or to the architect they designate.

This arrangement gives Afuri Ramen Dumpling the ability to manage the architectural design process and associated payments more closely. By having the discretion to receive payments directly, Afuri Ramen Dumpling can ensure that funds are allocated appropriately and that the architectural design aligns with their brand standards and specifications.

For a prospective franchisee, this means they need to be prepared to make payments for architectural design services as directed by Afuri Ramen Dumpling. The franchisee should clarify with Afuri Ramen Dumpling the expected costs for these services, the payment schedule, and whether they have any input into the selection of the architect. Understanding these details upfront will help the franchisee budget accurately and avoid any surprises during the build-out phase of their franchise.