Does Apricot Lane have to pay for the professional architectural services offered by Country Visions?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
-
- Make available to you, at your option, professional architectural services at then-current rates (Section 5.B.1 of the Franchise Agreement);
-
- Make available to you, at your option, a pre-approved general contractor at a fee agreed to by the parties in writing (Section 5.D.1 and 2 of the Franchise Agreement);
-
- Review all final plans and specifications for the premises (Section 5.C of the Franchise Agreement);
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Apricot Lane FDD, franchisees have the option to use professional architectural services provided by Country Visions, but they are responsible for covering the costs at the then-current rates. This means that while Apricot Lane makes these services available, franchisees must pay for them if they choose to utilize them.
This arrangement allows Apricot Lane franchisees to leverage pre-vetted architectural expertise familiar with the brand's requirements, potentially streamlining the store build-out process. However, it also means franchisees need to budget for these services if they elect to use them. The 'then-current rates' implies that these costs can fluctuate, so prospective franchisees should inquire about the current fee schedule during their due diligence.
Franchisees also have the option to use a pre-approved general contractor at a fee agreed to by the parties in writing. This provides franchisees with flexibility in choosing their service providers while ensuring that all final plans and specifications for the premises are reviewed by Apricot Lane.