Besides Refreshes and Remodels, what other obligations does an Auntie Annes franchisee have to update or replace components of the Franchised Business?
Auntie_Annes Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
You acknowledge and agree that it is in your best interest, and in the best interests of the franchise network, that your Franchised Business be clean, up-to-date, well-maintained, and well-appointed.
You must continuously maintain the interior and exterior of the Franchised Business (including the parking lot, walkways, and landscaping that is part of the Accepted Location), and all furniture, fixtures, equipment, décor, and signage in or at the Franchised Business, in the highest degree of cleanliness, orderliness, sanitation, and repair in accordance with all applicable Laws and Standards.
You agree, at your expense and at intervals that we may periodically designate, as needed, or at our direction, to promptly take the following continuing maintenance actions throughout the Term: (i) thorough cleaning (which may include professional cleaning), (ii) repainting and making minor alterations to the décor of the interior and exterior of the Franchised Business; (iii) interior and exterior repair of the Franchised Business; and (iv) repair or replacement of damaged, worn-out, malfunctioning, non-functioning, or obsolete furniture, fixtures, equipment, décor, and signage.
You may not make any material alteration to the interior or exterior of the Franchised Business without our prior written consent.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 106)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Auntie Annes's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must continuously maintain their franchised business to keep it clean, up-to-date, and well-maintained. This includes maintaining the interior and exterior of the location, such as the parking lot, walkways, and landscaping, as well as all furniture, fixtures, equipment, decor, and signage.
Specifically, franchisees are obligated to take continuing maintenance actions, at their own expense, throughout the term of the agreement. These actions include thorough cleaning (potentially involving professional services), repainting, making minor decor alterations to both the interior and exterior, and performing interior and exterior repairs.
Moreover, franchisees must repair or replace any damaged, worn-out, malfunctioning, non-functioning, or obsolete furniture, fixtures, equipment, decor, and signage. Any material alterations to the interior or exterior of the franchised business require prior written consent from Auntie Annes.