Is the architect fee paid to Annex Brands refundable?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must pay an architect we designate to design the premises of your retail center according to our specifications, and to prepare architectural plans that meet local structural, electrical, plumbing and other construction-related requirements. You must pay us an architect fee before preparation of the plans. The architect fee ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 for a standard or flex retail center, from $0 to $6,000 for a standard retail or flex retail center conversion, or from $0 to $4,000 for an express retail center, depending on the condition of the site. This range includes additional architect inspection fees that may be necessary if "as built" plans are not provided by the landlord, or if the site is delivered to you in an "as is" condition. Otherwise, this fee is uniform for all franchisees. This fee is non-refundable. If you are converting a qualified existing business to a standard retail center or flex retail center (see above), architectural plans may not be required and you may not be required to pay an architect fee. See Items 7 and 8.
Source: Item 5 — Initial Fees (FDD pages 18–24)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the architect fee is non-refundable. This fee is paid to an architect designated by Annex Brands to design the retail center premises according to their specifications and to prepare architectural plans that meet local requirements. The fee covers the preparation of plans and potential additional inspection fees.
The architect fee ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 for a standard or flex retail center, from $0 to $6,000 for a standard retail or flex retail center conversion, or from $0 to $4,000 for an express retail center, depending on the condition of the site. The range accounts for potential additional architect inspection fees if "as built" plans are not provided by the landlord, or if the site is delivered in an "as is" condition. If converting a qualified existing business to a standard or flex retail center, architectural plans may not be required, and the architect fee may not apply.
Because the architect fee is non-refundable, prospective Annex Brands franchisees should carefully evaluate the site and understand the potential costs before paying the fee. If a franchisee decides not to proceed with the franchise after the architectural plans have been prepared, they will not receive a refund of the architect fee. This is a standard practice in franchising, as these fees cover services rendered by third-party providers.