Does All County have to approve a prospective franchisee?
All_County Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
orable imitation thereof or other indicia of an ALL COUNTY® business in any manner or for any purpose or utilize for any purpose any trade name, trademark or service mark or other commercial symbol that suggests or indicates a connection or association with us.
- 20.5. Transfer to a Wholly Owned Corporation. If you are in full compliance with this Agreement, you may transfer this Agreement to a wholly-owned corporation, limited liability company, or other entity which conducts only the ALL COUNTY® Business. You agree to maintain management control and own and control one hundred percent (100%) of the equity and voting power of all issued and outstanding capital stock. All assets and operations of the Business are to be owned and controlled by a single corporation. Transfers of shares in such corporation will be subject to the provisions of this Agreement. You agree to remain personally liable under this Agreement as if the transfer to such corporation had not occurred.
- 20.6. Operation Upon the Death or Disability of the Managing Owner. If, upon the death or permanent disability of the Managing Owner, the Business is not being managed by a manager trained by us, you or such Managing Owner's executor, administrator, conservator, guardian or other personal representative must within a reasonable time, not to exceed thirty (30) days from the date of death or permanent disability of the Managing Owner, appoint a manager to operate the Business, subject to our written approval.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 43–157)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All County's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if the Managing Owner of an All County franchise dies or becomes permanently disabled, and the business is not being managed by a manager trained by All County, the executor or representative of the Managing Owner must appoint a manager within 30 days. This appointment is subject to All County's written approval.
The appointed manager must then successfully complete All County's required initial training at the franchisee's expense within 30 days of being appointed. This manager serves as an interim manager to keep the business operational until a permanent transfer can be completed, but is not necessarily the transferee.
Additionally, the FDD states that All County's acceptance of a proposed site for the business is done through a properly executed site acceptance form. The document specifies that no other form of approval, whether written or verbal, from any of All County's officers, employees, or agents, is considered effective or binding. All County will make reasonable efforts to determine the site acceptance form within seven days after receiving it and any other requested materials.
These stipulations indicate that All County maintains the right to approve certain key aspects of the franchise operation, including the interim manager in the event of death or disability and the location of the business. This level of control is typical in franchising, as it allows the franchisor to maintain brand standards and operational consistency across all franchise locations.