Is a franchisee required to conduct their own evaluation of the suitability of a site for an Apricot Lane store?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Regardless of any site selection or leasing assistance that COUNTRY VISIONS may provide, you are ultimately responsible for finding and securing a suitable site and negotiating your lease. You must decide whether to accept a particular site or leasing terms. You should conduct your own evaluation of the suitability of the site and consult with an attorney for legal advice on the lease terms. You must provide to us a copy of all communications between you and your landlord and any leasing specialist you use.
Before acquiring any site for the premises of the Franchised Business, whether by lease or purchase, you must submit a written description of the proposed site to COUNTRY VISIONS, including a letter of intent describing the terms and conditions in detail, together with evidence that is satisfactory to us that your prospects for obtaining the proposed site are favorable. COUNTRY VISIONS will approve or disapprove your site selection within 30 days after receiving your written proposal.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are ultimately responsible for finding and securing a suitable site for their store. While Apricot Lane may provide site selection and leasing assistance, the franchisee must decide whether to accept a particular site or leasing terms.
The FDD states that franchisees should conduct their own evaluation of the suitability of the site and consult with an attorney for legal advice on the lease terms. Additionally, franchisees must provide Apricot Lane with a copy of all communications between them and their landlord, as well as any leasing specialist they use.
Before acquiring a site, franchisees must submit a written description of the proposed site to Apricot Lane, including a letter of intent describing the terms and conditions in detail. They must also provide evidence that their prospects for obtaining the proposed site are favorable. Apricot Lane will then approve or disapprove the site selection within 30 days after receiving the written proposal. This process ensures that while franchisees have the responsibility to evaluate sites, Apricot Lane retains control over final site approval.