If Angry Chickz establishes an Intranet, what is the franchisee's responsibility regarding computer hardware and software?
Angry_Chickz Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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, if Angry Chickz chooses to establish and maintain an Intranet, franchisees are responsible for acquiring, maintaining, and updating all necessary computer hardware and software to participate in it. This means that a new franchisee must budget for the initial purchase of computer equipment and software that meets Angry Chickz's specifications for accessing the Intranet.
Beyond the initial investment, the franchisee also bears the ongoing responsibility of keeping the hardware and software up-to-date. This includes any upgrades or replacements that become necessary to maintain compatibility with the Intranet. While Angry Chickz has the discretion to establish and control the Intranet, the franchisee is responsible for the costs associated with accessing and using it.
It's important to note that Angry Chickz has no obligation to maintain the Intranet and can discontinue it at any time without liability. However, if the Intranet is established and the franchisee complies with their obligations under the franchise agreement, they will be granted the privilege to use it, subject to Angry Chickz's standards of use and usage agreement. Additionally, any content posted on the Intranet becomes the property of Angry Chickz, without any claims of privacy or privilege.