What are the primary components of the Aplus System that franchisees will be operating?
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").
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 68)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Aplus System relates to the establishment and operation of a full-line retail grocery convenience store. These stores offer fast foods, prepackaged foods, beverages, sundries, and other convenience store goods identified principally by the trademark APLUS. Under certain circumstances and as authorized by Aplus, the system may also include a gasoline fueling station and related petroleum products identified principally by the trademark SUNOCO.
The distinguishing characteristics of the Aplus System include 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 Aplus designates for developing, operating, and managing an APLUS store and/or SUNOCO fueling station. Aplus retains the right to change, improve, and further develop these standards.
The Aplus System is identified by 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 Aplus in writing for use in connection with the System. Prospective franchisees should note that Aplus reserves the right to grant third parties or affiliates the right to operate another store of the same authorized brand within the development area and can operate stores and license the use of the marks and system in "Captive Markets" within and outside the development area.