Who is responsible for replacing fire suppression equipment at an Aplus franchise?

According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the responsibility for maintaining and repairing the premises and equipment is divided between Sunoco and the franchisee, as detailed in the Franchisee Maintenance Responsibility Schedule. The franchisee is generally responsible for maintaining the premises, loaned equipment, and their own property in a clean, safe condition, complying with health, safety, and security standards. The franchisee bears the expense of this maintenance.

Specifically, the franchisee is responsible for the repair or replacement of interior fixtures, including lamps, tubes, ballast, sockets, lens, and deflectors, according to Sunoco specifications. They must also keep these items clean and in operating order, replace fuses, reset circuit breakers, and report any electrical issues. However, the document does not explicitly state who is responsible for the replacement of fire suppression equipment.

Since the FDD does not directly address fire suppression equipment, prospective Aplus franchisees should clarify with Sunoco the specific responsibilities for maintaining and replacing this equipment. Understanding whether the franchisee or Sunoco is responsible for these costs is crucial for budgeting and operational planning.