What maintenance is the Aplus franchisee responsible for regarding shelving, gondolas, racks, pegboard cabinets, counters, and benches?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Franchisee shall comply with the housekeeping and maintenance provisions in the Manual regarding the Premises, the APLUS Store, the Store Equipment, and if applicable, the Loaned Store Equipment. Franchisee shall comply with all repair, replacement, health, safety, and security standards and specifications of Franchisor and any applicable laws or regulations. The expense of such maintenance shall be borne by Franchisee and shall be in addition to any required System modifications, as described in Section 10.2.
Unless authorized by our prior written consent, you may not install or use at or about the APLUS Store any other equipment (such as arcade machines, vending machines, shelving, display racks, signs, furniture, or fixtures) that tends to alter or modify the APLUS Store or the Program image.
No additions, modifications, or replacements may be made by you to any Store Equipment or Loaned Store Equipment without Sunoco's prior written approval.
Sunoco will furnish and install other certain APLUS store equipment that
Sunoco loans to you as part of this Agreement (the "Loaned Store Equipment"). You agree to execute such documentation as Sunoco may require to effectuate the lease terms, installation, and ongoing maintenance, and upgrade requirements for the Loaned Store Equipment. Should you discontinue operation of the APLUS Store for any reason before the Expiration Date, Sunoco shall have the unlimited right to enter and remove the Loaned Store Equipment from the Premises.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for complying with the housekeeping and maintenance provisions in the manual regarding the premises, the Aplus store, store equipment, and loaned store equipment. This includes all repair, replacement, health, safety, and security standards and specifications of Aplus and any applicable laws or regulations. The franchisee bears the expense of such maintenance, which is in addition to any required system modifications.
Unless Aplus provides prior written consent, the franchisee cannot install or use any other equipment such as shelving, display racks, signs, furniture, or fixtures that tend to alter or modify the Aplus store or the program image. The franchisee cannot make additions, modifications, or replacements to any store equipment or loaned store equipment without Sunoco's prior written approval.
Sunoco will furnish and install certain Aplus store equipment that Sunoco loans to the franchisee as part of the agreement. The franchisee must execute documentation to effectuate the lease terms, installation, and ongoing maintenance and upgrade requirements for the loaned store equipment. If the franchisee discontinues operation of the Aplus store for any reason before the expiration date, Sunoco has the unlimited right to enter and remove the loaned store equipment from the premises.
Overall, the Aplus franchisee has significant responsibility for maintaining the appearance and condition of the store, including fixtures like shelving, gondolas, racks, pegboard cabinets, counters, and benches. However, any modifications or additions to equipment typically require prior approval from Aplus, and Sunoco retains control over loaned equipment.