What does the contractor designated by Annex Brands do for the retail center build-out?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
.
You must use a contractor and an architect that we designate in the build-out of your retail center. The contractor will coordinate with the architect, design and plan the premises, interact with local officials for appropriate building approvals, and complete the build-out of the premises (including electrical, painting, equipment package installation for your retail center, and also possibly including interior and exterior signage installation). The architect will design the premises of your retail center according to our specifications and prepare plans that meet local requirements. You may use a substitute licensed contractor if we approve the licensed contractor in advance. It is not our regular practice to approve substitute contractors. The factors we consider to approve or disapprove a substitute contractor are licensing experience, commercial tenant improvement experience, pricing, reputation and scheduling availability. If we approve and you use a substitute contractor, you must pay us a $2,500 construction consultation fee before construction begins. You may not use a substitute architec
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 39–43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 FDD, Annex Brands requires franchisees to use a contractor and architect that they designate for the build-out of the retail center. The designated contractor is responsible for several key aspects of the construction process. They coordinate with the architect to design and plan the premises, ensuring it aligns with Annex Brands' standards and local building codes. The contractor also interacts with local officials to obtain the necessary building approvals, navigating the regulatory requirements on behalf of the franchisee.
Furthermore, the contractor oversees and completes the physical build-out of the premises. This includes managing the electrical work, painting, and the installation of the equipment package specific to the Annex Brands retail center. The contractor's responsibilities may also extend to installing interior and exterior signage, ensuring the branding is consistent and visible.
While Annex Brands mandates the use of their designated contractor, there is a provision for using a substitute licensed contractor, subject to their approval. However, it is not Annex Brands' regular practice to approve substitute contractors. If a substitute contractor is approved, Annex Brands will charge a $2,500 construction consultation fee before construction begins. The FDD specifies that substitute architects are not permitted under any circumstances.