What specific aspects of the Center's appearance does Annex Brands require franchisees to maintain?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
A. CONDITION AND APPEARANCE OF THE CENTER. Franchisee agrees to maintain the condition and appearance of the Center consistent with the System and required uniform image of its franchised businesses as a modern, clean, attractive and efficiently operated Center, which offers high quality products to the public based on friendly, creative and efficient service. Franchisee agrees to perform or cause to be performed at Franchisee's expense whatever maintenance of the Center is required to maintain such condition, appearance, and efficient operation, including: continuous and thorough cleaning; periodic decoration and repair or remodeling, as necessary, of the interior and exterior of the Center; and replacement of worn-out or obsolete leasehold improvements, furnishings, fixtures, equipment, displays, signs, and graphics with approved leasehold improvements, furnishings, fixtures, equipment, displays, signs, and graphics. The Center must have new flooring, and the interior must be repainted to Franchisor's specifications at least once every 60 months. Any tile flooring must be cleaned daily and polished at least semi-annually, and any carpet flooring must be cleaned daily and dry-cleaned at least semi-annually, to Franchisor's specifications as necessary to maintain a clean appearance.
If Franchisee does not maintain the condition and appearance of the Center as is required by this Agreement, Franchisee will give Franchisor access to the Center on not less than 3 days' prior written notice from Franchisor, so that Franchisor may: 1) arrange for the necessary cleaning, repair, remodeling, upgrading, painting or decorating; and 2) replace the necessary leasehold improvements, furnishings, fixtures, equipment, displays, signs, or graphics. Franchisee must pay the entire cost thereof within 10 days of receipt of an invoice from Franchisor for the services or purchases. Franchisee's failure to give Franchisor access to the Center, or to reimburse Franchisor in accordance with this Subsection 9.A, is an act subject to the default and enforcement provisions of this Agreement.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD pages 109–110)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 FDD, Annex Brands franchisees must maintain a modern, clean, attractive, and efficiently operated Center that aligns with the System's standards. This includes continuous and thorough cleaning, periodic decoration, repairs, and remodeling of both the interior and exterior. Franchisees are also responsible for replacing worn-out or obsolete leasehold improvements, furnishings, fixtures, equipment, displays, signs, and graphics with approved versions.
The FDD specifies that flooring is a key element of the Center's appearance. New flooring must be installed, and the interior must be repainted to Annex Brands' specifications at least once every 60 months. For ongoing maintenance, tile flooring must be cleaned daily and polished at least semi-annually, while carpet flooring requires daily cleaning and dry-cleaning at least semi-annually, all to maintain a clean appearance as per Annex Brands' standards.
Annex Brands retains significant control over the Center's appearance. Franchisees must use only approved fixtures, furnishings, equipment, and signs that meet Annex Brands' standards for quality, design, appearance, function, and performance. Any proposed changes or replacements to these elements require prior written consent from Annex Brands. Failure to maintain the Center's condition and appearance as required can result in Annex Brands arranging for the necessary work at the franchisee's expense, with non-compliance potentially leading to default and enforcement actions under the franchise agreement.