What is the Plan Review fee that Apricot Lane may charge for reviewing completed plans?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
E chooses a licensed architect or design firm on its own, one who has not had experience with a Specialty Store, that architect must be approved by FRANCHISOR.
In addition, a Plan Review fee of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500) may be charged at time of submittal of completed plans for FRANCHISOR's approval which covers FRANCHISOR's cost in consulting with FRANCHISEE's architect and for offsetting the cost of having the plans reviewed by FRANCHISOR's architect or designer. This fee will no
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 51–222)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a Plan Review fee of $1,500 may be charged. This fee is for the franchisor's review of completed plans submitted by the franchisee for approval.
The $1,500 fee covers Apricot Lane's costs for consulting with the franchisee's architect and for having the plans reviewed by Apricot Lane's own architect or designer. This implies that Apricot Lane wants to ensure the store design aligns with their brand standards and operational requirements.
However, the fee is waived if the franchisee hires Apricot Lane's approved architect or designer to design the facility. This is because Apricot Lane's approved architect is already familiar with the requirements for a Specialty Store, eliminating the need for a separate plan review. This incentivizes franchisees to use Apricot Lane's preferred architects, potentially streamlining the design and approval process.