What happens if the Apricot Lane site is destroyed, condemned, or made unusable?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may operate the Franchised Business only at the location specified in the Franchise Agreement unless we agree otherwise. If applicable, you may operate any temporary, seasonal, kiosk, cart or other adjunct operation only from a location approved by COUNTRY VISIONS. You also may not sell APRICOT LANE Store merchandise through any other distribution channel without our prior written approval.
You may relocate your Franchised Business at your sole expense within your Territory, but only with our prior written consent. COUNTRY VISIONS shall have the right to charge you for any costs incurred by us, and a reasonable fee for our services, in any relocation of the Franchised Business. If your lease expires or terminates and you are not at fault, or the site is destroyed, condemned or in any manner made unusable, if you are unwilling or unable to relocate the Franchised Business, COUNTRY VISIONS is not required to refund any fees or costs paid to COUNTRY VISIONS.
If you relocate the Franchised Business, you will conform the new store location to COUNTRY VISIONS' then-current standards for store design; close the old location at the same time you open the new location; and remove and obliterate any visible signs, graphics and advertising materials displaying any of our names, Marks and slogans. These changes must be completed within 7 business days of the opening of the new location.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 30–32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if the franchise location's lease expires or terminates through no fault of the franchisee, or if the site is destroyed, condemned, or otherwise made unusable, Apricot Lane is not obligated to refund any fees or costs that the franchisee has already paid. This means that if unforeseen circumstances render the location inoperable, the franchisee bears the financial risk of lost investments such as the initial franchise fee, build-out costs, and other expenses.
However, the franchisee may have the option to relocate the Apricot Lane business within their designated territory, but only with prior written consent from Apricot Lane. Apricot Lane has the right to charge the franchisee for any costs they incur, along with a reasonable fee for their services, related to the relocation.
If the franchisee chooses to relocate, they must ensure the new store location meets Apricot Lane's current design standards. Additionally, the franchisee is responsible for closing the old location at the same time the new location opens and removing all signs, graphics, and advertising materials that display Apricot Lane's names, marks, and slogans from the former site. These changes must be completed within 7 business days of the new location's opening. This places the onus on the franchisee to manage the transition quickly and efficiently to minimize disruption and maintain brand consistency.
This policy highlights the importance of carefully evaluating potential site risks and negotiating lease terms that offer some protection against unforeseen events. Franchisees should also discuss relocation options and costs with Apricot Lane before signing the Franchise Agreement to fully understand their responsibilities and potential financial exposure.