After termination of an Apricot Lane franchise, who is responsible for the expense of removing signage and altering the premises to prevent association with Apricot Lane?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If FRANCHISOR or its designee does not receive an assignment of the Premises lease and possession of the Premises under Section 19.C above, FRANCHISEE shall at its own expense remove all exterior and interior signage or other items bearing any of the Marks and make such modifications or alterations to the Premises as may be necessary to prevent any association with FRANCHISOR or the System and any business thereon subsequently operated by FRANCHISEE or others, and shall make such specific additional changes thereto as FRANCHISOR may reasonably request for that purpose, including, without limitation, removal of all distinctive physical and structural features identifying the System. In the event FRANCHISEE fails or refuses to comply with the requirements of this paragraph, FRANCHISOR shall have the right to enter upon the Premises where the Franchised Business was conducted, without being guilty of trespass or any other tort, for the purpose of making or causing to be made such changes as may be required at the expense of FRANCHISEE, which expense FRANCHISEE shall pay upon demand.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 51–222)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for the expenses associated with de-identifying a location after termination of the franchise agreement. Specifically, if Apricot Lane does not take assignment of the premises lease, the franchisee must remove all interior and exterior signage or other items bearing Apricot Lane's marks.
Additionally, the franchisee must make any modifications or alterations to the premises necessary to prevent association with Apricot Lane or its system. These alterations also apply to any business subsequently operated by the franchisee or others at the location. Apricot Lane may also reasonably request specific additional changes for this purpose, including removing distinctive physical and structural features that identify the Apricot Lane system.
If the franchisee fails to comply with these de-identification requirements, Apricot Lane has the right to enter the premises and make the necessary changes at the franchisee's expense. The franchisee is then obligated to pay these expenses upon demand from Apricot Lane. This ensures that the location no longer appears to be an Apricot Lane store and protects the brand's image and trademarks.