What is the primary business of Sunoco, LLC, as it relates to Aplus franchises?
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").
- B. The distinguishing characteristics of the System include, without limitation, distinctive interior and exterior design, decor, color scheme, graphics, fixtures and furnishings, operation and customer service standards and procedures, advertising and marketing specifications and requirements, and other standards, specifications, techniques, and procedures that Franchisor designates for developing, operating, and managing an APLUS store and/or SUNOCO fueling station, all of which Franchisor may change, improve, and further develop (collectively, "Standards").
- C. The System is identified by means of certain trade names, service marks, trademarks, logos, emblems, and indicia of origin, including, but not limited, to the mark APLUS or the mark SUNOCO and such other trade names, service marks, and trademarks as are now designated and may hereafter be designated by Franchisor in writing for use in connection with the System ("Marks").
- D. You desire the right to develop authorized branded multiple stores or fueling stations under the System and Marks as indicated in the Summary Page ("Stores") and Franchisor desires to grant you such rights, all pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 68)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Sunoco Retail LLC's primary business involves developing a system for establishing and operating full-line retail grocery convenience stores. These stores offer fast foods, prepackaged foods, beverages, sundries, and other convenience store goods, identified primarily by the APLUS trademark. In certain instances, and with Aplus's authorization, the system may also include a gasoline fueling station and related petroleum products identified by the SUNOCO trademark.
The Aplus system is characterized by distinctive interior and exterior designs, decor, color schemes, graphics, fixtures, furnishings, and specific operational and customer service standards. It also includes advertising and marketing specifications, along with other standards, techniques, and procedures designated by Aplus for developing, operating, and managing both APLUS stores and SUNOCO fueling stations. Aplus retains the right to modify and improve these elements of the system.
The trademarks, service marks, logos, emblems, and indicia of origin, including the APLUS and SUNOCO marks, identify the Aplus system. Sunoco Retail LLC grants developers the right to develop branded stores or fueling stations under this system, subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the Development Agreement. This agreement defines the relationship and obligations between Sunoco Retail LLC, as the franchisor, and the developer, who is granted the right to establish and operate Aplus stores and Sunoco fueling stations.