Besides Aplus, what other trademark might be associated with the Aplus franchise under certain circumstances?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- A. Franchisor and its Affiliates have developed, and are in the process of further developing, a System relating to the establishment and operation of a full-line retail grocery convenience store that offers fast foods, prepackaged foods, beverages, sundries, and other convenience store goods identified principally by the trademark APLUS, along with, under certain circumstances and as authorized by Franchisor, a gasoline fueling station and related petroleum products identified principally by the trademark SUNOCO (the "System").
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 68)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Aplus Franchise Disclosure Document, the Aplus system relates to a retail grocery convenience store. Under certain circumstances, the Aplus franchise may also operate a gasoline fueling station and related petroleum products identified principally by the trademark SUNOCO. Therefore, in addition to the Aplus trademark, franchisees may also be associated with the SUNOCO trademark.
The Development Agreement outlines the relationship between Sunoco Retail LLC (the franchisor) and the developer (the franchisee). The agreement states that the franchisor and its affiliates have developed a system for a full-line retail grocery convenience store identified by the APLUS trademark. This system may also include a gasoline fueling station and related petroleum products identified by the SUNOCO trademark, depending on the circumstances and authorization from Aplus.
This means that prospective Aplus franchisees should be aware that their business may potentially operate under two different trademarks, Aplus and SUNOCO. The use of the SUNOCO trademark is not guaranteed and depends on authorization from Aplus. Franchisees should clarify with Aplus the conditions under which they would be authorized to use the SUNOCO trademark and operate a fueling station in conjunction with their Aplus store.