If I choose to operate a SUNOCO fueling station with my Aplus franchise, what agreement will I receive?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
You may purchase an APLUS convenience store franchise with or without a fueling station. You are not restricted from converting a fueling station to a SUNOCO fueling station after purchase of an APLUS convenience store franchise or purchasing the rights to an APLUS franchise after initially only purchasing a SUNOCO fueling station franchise. If you choose to operate a SUNOCO fueling station, you will receive a separate SUNOCO fueling station agreement. You must independently qualify to operate each brand, and we reserve the right to deny your application to purchase the remaining brand even if you qualify to franchise the other brand.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 10–13)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, if you choose to operate a SUNOCO fueling station in conjunction with your Aplus franchise, you will receive a separate SUNOCO fueling station agreement. This means that the operation of the fueling station is governed by its own distinct contract, separate from the Aplus franchise agreement.
Aplus emphasizes that you must independently qualify to operate each brand, Aplus and SUNOCO. This indicates that Aplus will assess your qualifications separately for each franchise. Aplus retains the right to deny your application for the remaining brand, even if you are approved for one of the franchises. This implies that approval for one franchise does not guarantee approval for the other.
This dual-agreement structure and the need for separate qualifications highlight the importance of carefully reviewing the terms and conditions of both the Aplus franchise agreement and the SUNOCO fueling station agreement. Prospective franchisees should be prepared to meet the specific requirements of each brand and understand that approval for one does not guarantee approval for the other. It is advisable to seek legal counsel to fully understand the obligations and potential risks associated with operating both an Aplus convenience store and a SUNOCO fueling station.