Can an Apricot Lane store be opened until all requisite government permits have been issued?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You are responsible for obtaining all final permits and certificates, including a certificate of occupancy. The Store may not be opened until all requisite government permits have been issued. During the COVID-19 pandemic, governmental orders in some jurisdictions caused delays in some new Store openings of approximately 30 days on average. COUNTRY VISIONS extended all applicable opening deadlines for affected franchisees.
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, an Apricot Lane store cannot be opened until all necessary government permits have been obtained. The franchisee is responsible for securing all final permits and certificates, including a certificate of occupancy.
This requirement ensures that the store complies with all local regulations and safety standards before commencing operations. Failure to obtain the necessary permits could result in legal issues, fines, or even the forced closure of the store.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some new store openings experienced delays of approximately 30 days on average due to governmental orders in certain jurisdictions. However, Country Visions extended all applicable opening deadlines for affected franchisees, demonstrating a willingness to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. This highlights the importance of franchisees maintaining open communication with Apricot Lane regarding any potential delays in the permitting process.
Overall, this provision underscores the franchisee's responsibility for ensuring full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations before opening their Apricot Lane store.