factual

Does All County require approval of the business location before the franchisee can open?

All_County Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

or part of another franchise system or chain, regardless of whether any or all of them are converted to use any or all of the Marks and/or System or continue to be operated independently.

  • 7.5. National Accounts. You acknowledge that from time to time we may enter into agreements with certain regional or national businesses ("National Accounts") to provide services to customers at certain National Account locations which may include National Account locations within your Territory. We shall identify and designate any such National Accounts in our Operations Manual, and you acknowledge and agree that from time to time during the Term of the Agreement we may add or remove National Accounts, in our sole business judgment.

8. LOCATION.

It is your responsibility to find a Location within your Territory to operate the Business. You must submit to us, according to our procedures, a proposed Location for your Business for our approval.

8.1. Business Location. You must locate a site for the Business and have the Location approved by us. You must operate the Business from an approved Location within ninety (90) days of the Effective Date of the Franchise Agreement, unless we have provided our written approval to you of any extension of time to open the office location. We have the right to approve the terms of any lease, sublease or purchase contract for the Location, and you agree to deliver a copy to us for our approval before you sign it. Our approval of the lease, sublease or purchase contract does not constitute a warranty or representation of any kind, express or implied, as to its fairness or suitability or as to your ability to comply with its terms. We do not, by virtue of approving the lease, sublease or purchase contract, assume any liability or responsibility to you or to any third parties. You further acknowledge that we have advised you to seek legal counsel to review and evaluate the lease. You must deliver a copy of the fully signed lease, sublease or purchase contract to us within fifteen (15) days after its execution.

  • 8.2. Location Approval. A properly executed site acceptance form is the exclusive means by which we accept a proposed site, and no other direct or indirect representation, approval or acceptance, whether in writing or verbally, by any of our officers, employees or agents, shall be effective or bind us. We will make reasonable efforts to make a determination on your site acceptance form within seven (7) days after receipt of it and any other materials that we have requested. We will furnish you with our standard site selection criteria and assistance for the Business, as we may establish from time to time.
  • 8.3. Qualifying Factors. Factors used by us in deciding whether to accept or reject a proposed site may include, but is not limited to, the general location and neighborhood, demographic information, traffic patterns, zoning, access, visibility, location of other similar businesses or related establishments (including other ALL COUNTY® businesses) and size, condition, configuration, appearance and other physical characteristics of the site.
  • 8.4. Independent Investigation. Your decision to develop and operate the Business at any particular site is based solely on your own independent investigation of the suitability of the site for the Business. You acknowledge and agree that your acceptance of the proposed site is based on your own independent investigation of the suitability of the proposed site.
  • 8.5. Disclaimer of Guarantee. Our recommendation or approval of any proposed site and any information communicated to you regarding such site does not constitute a representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, as to the suitability or success of such Location.

Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 43–157)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to All County's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must have their business location approved by All County before opening. Specifically, the franchisee is responsible for finding a location within their territory and submitting it to All County for approval, following All County's procedures. The franchisee must operate the business from an approved location within 90 days of the Franchise Agreement's effective date, unless All County provides written approval for an extension. All County also has the right to approve the terms of any lease, sublease, or purchase contract for the location, and the franchisee must provide a copy for approval before signing. However, All County's approval of the lease does not constitute a warranty regarding its fairness or suitability.

All County will provide standard site selection criteria and assistance. Factors All County considers when approving a site include the general location, neighborhood, demographics, traffic patterns, zoning, accessibility, visibility, the location of similar businesses, and the site's physical characteristics. All County will make reasonable efforts to determine the site acceptance form within seven days after receipt of it and any other requested materials. A properly executed site acceptance form is the exclusive means by which All County accepts a proposed site.

Before opening, All County must approve the location as developed according to their specifications and standards. The franchisee must also provide All County with a copy of the location's lease, if applicable. The franchisee is responsible for developing the business location according to All County's mandatory specifications and layouts, including requirements for dimensions, design, image, interior layout, decor, fixtures, equipment, signs, furnishings, and color scheme. The franchisee must secure financing, obtain permits and licenses, and purchase or lease all required items to operate the business.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.