Can Angry Chickz discontinue the Intranet, and if so, under what conditions?
Angry_Chickz Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 7.9 Intranet.
Company may, at its option, establish and maintain an Intranet through which licensees or franchisees may communicate with each other, and Company may disseminate the Manual(s), updates and other confidential information.
Company shall have discretion and sole control over all aspects of the Intranet, including its content and functionality.
If Company establishes such an Intranet, Franchisee shall acquire, maintain, and update, as reasonably necessary, all computer hardware and software necessary to enable Franchisee to participate on the Intranet.
Company will have no obligation to maintain the Intranet, and may discontinue it at any time without liability.
If established and if Franchisee is in compliance with its obligations under this Agreement, Franchisee will be given the privilege to use the Intranet subject to Franchisee's compliance with Company's then-current standards of use and usage agreement.
Franchisee further acknowledges that the Intranet facility and all communications that are posted to it will become Company's property, free of any claims of privacy or privilege that Franchisee or any other person may assert.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Angry Chickz's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Angry Chickz has the option to establish and maintain an Intranet for communication between licensees or franchisees. The Intranet would also allow Angry Chickz to disseminate manuals, updates, and other confidential information. Franchisees are responsible for acquiring and maintaining the necessary computer hardware and software to participate in the Intranet, should it be established. Franchisees may also be required to contribute a reasonable amount towards the cost of the Intranet's maintenance. All communications posted on the Intranet become the property of Angry Chickz.
However, Angry Chickz is under no obligation to maintain the Intranet. The FDD states that Angry Chickz may discontinue the Intranet at any time without incurring any liability. This gives Angry Chickz complete control over the Intranet's existence and operation.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that while an Intranet might be a useful tool for communication and accessing important information, its availability is not guaranteed. Angry Chickz can decide to shut it down at any point, and franchisees will have no recourse. Therefore, franchisees should not rely heavily on the Intranet as a primary source of information or communication and should be prepared for the possibility of its discontinuation.