Under what conditions will Annex Brands approve a substitute contractor?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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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 Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must use a contractor and architect designated by Annex Brands for the build-out of their retail center. However, a franchisee may use a substitute licensed contractor if Annex Brands approves them in advance. It is important to note that Annex Brands states that it is not their regular practice to approve substitute contractors.
Annex Brands will consider several factors when evaluating a potential substitute contractor. These factors include the contractor's licensing experience, commercial tenant improvement experience, pricing, reputation, and scheduling availability. These criteria ensure that any approved substitute contractor meets Annex Brands' standards for quality and reliability.
If Annex Brands approves a substitute contractor, the franchisee must pay Annex Brands a $2,500 construction consultation fee before construction begins. This fee likely covers the costs associated with Annex Brands reviewing and approving the substitute contractor and ensuring the build-out meets their specifications. Franchisees are not allowed to use a substitute architect under any circumstances.