Does Aplus require prior written approval to operate Concurrent Operations at the same premises as a franchised Aplus Store?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We may choose to approve you to offer certain proprietary APLUS or SUNOCO food service business(es) and convenience store product offerings at your APLUS Store which are not offered at other APLUS Stores. Additionally, we may, at our discretion, approve the operation of other optional branded or proprietary food service offerings, certain other third-party franchises, or Sunoco approved marketing concepts, such as a car wash facility or Ultra Service Center (collectively, "Concurrent Operations") and are to be operated at the same premises as a franchised APLUS Store. Any such Concurrent Operations shall be conducted only with our prior written approval. You may incur additional royalty and other fees or charges imposed by other franchisors and/or by us for such Concurrent Operations.
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, franchisees must obtain prior written approval from Aplus to operate Concurrent Operations at the same premises as their franchised Aplus store. Concurrent Operations include optional branded or proprietary food service offerings, certain other third-party franchises, or Sunoco approved marketing concepts, such as a car wash facility or Ultra Service Center.
This requirement means that franchisees cannot independently decide to add other business operations to their Aplus store without first getting the green light from the franchisor. This approval process allows Aplus to maintain brand consistency and ensure that any additional operations align with the overall business strategy.
Furthermore, the FDD states that franchisees may incur additional royalty and other fees or charges imposed by other franchisors and/or by Aplus for such Concurrent Operations. This highlights the potential for increased costs associated with operating additional businesses alongside the Aplus franchise. Franchisees should carefully consider these potential costs and the approval requirements before pursuing any Concurrent Operations. It is common in franchising for franchisors to maintain control over what is offered at the franchise location to protect the brand and ensure a consistent customer experience.