Does Apricot Lane require a new initial franchise fee for renewal?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
FRANCHISEE executes FRANCHISOR's then-current form of Franchise Agreement (with appropriate modifications to reflect the fact that the agreement relates to the grant of a renewal franchise), which agreement shall become effective on commencement of the renewal term and supersede in all respects this Agreement, and the terms of which may differ from the terms of this Agreement, including, without limitation, a different percentage Royalty, advertising contribution or other fees; provided, however, FRANCHISEE shall not be required to pay the thencurrent initial franchise fee or its equivalent.
The form of Franchise Agreement that will be used for the renewal term will be given to FRANCHISEE at least ninety (90) days before the renewal term is to begin.
If FRANCHISOR is not offering new franchises at the time of renewal request, FRANCHISOR reserves the right to choose the form of franchise agreement that will be required for the renewal period.
FRANCHISEE agrees to sign the Franchise Agreement offered by FRANCHISOR at least sixty (60) days before the current franchise term expires.
If the Agreement is not signed by that deadline, the franchise will automatically expire at the end of the term;
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 51–222)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not required to pay the then-current initial franchise fee or its equivalent when renewing their franchise agreement. However, the franchisee must execute Apricot Lane's then-current form of Franchise Agreement, which may include different terms than the original agreement, such as royalty percentages, advertising contributions, or other fees.
To renew their Apricot Lane franchise, franchisees must meet several conditions. They must comply with all provisions of the existing franchise agreement, provide notice of renewal between nine and twelve months before the agreement's expiration, maintain possession of the premises, avoid defaulting on any agreements with Apricot Lane, and meet the brand's current qualification and training requirements.
Apricot Lane may also require franchisees to attend a training course to update their knowledge of store operations, training procedures, and policies as a condition of renewal. The new franchise agreement will be provided to the franchisee at least 90 days before the renewal term begins, and the franchisee must sign it at least 60 days before the current term expires. Failure to sign by this deadline results in automatic expiration of the franchise.