When is the first Refresh required for an Auntie Annes franchise after the Opening Date?
Auntie_Annes Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Within six months after the fifth and the fifteenth anniversaries of the Opening Date, you must, at your sole expense and in accordance with our then-current Standards and directives, refresh, refurbish, and renovate the Franchised Business to meet our then-current operational and branding Standards (a "Refresh").
Generally, a Refresh will require you to add, update, and/or replace components of the Franchised Business (including merchandising elements, graphics, paint or wall coverings, menu boards, interior and exterior signage, kitchen equipment, drive-thru equipment, Computer System components, and other furniture, fixtures, equipment, and décor that we may specify in our sole discretion) to meet our then-current Standards without significantly altering your Franchised Business' layout or structure.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 106)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Auntie Annes's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to conduct a Refresh of their franchised business within six months after both the fifth and fifteenth anniversaries of the Opening Date. This Refresh is at the franchisee's sole expense and must be completed according to Auntie Annes's then-current standards and directives. The purpose of the Refresh is to ensure the franchise meets the current operational and branding standards.
Generally, the Refresh involves adding, updating, or replacing components of the franchised business. These components may include merchandising elements, graphics, paint or wall coverings, menu boards, interior and exterior signage, kitchen equipment, drive-thru equipment, computer system components, and other furniture, fixtures, equipment, and décor. The specific items to be updated or replaced are determined by Auntie Annes at their sole discretion to meet their current standards. However, the Refresh should not significantly alter the layout or structure of the franchised business.
In addition to the Refresh, Auntie Annes franchisees are also required to remodel their stores within six months after the tenth and (if entering a Renewal Term) twentieth anniversaries of the Opening Date. This Remodel may include all modifications, upgrades, and replacements required in a Refresh, plus other more extensive alterations to the franchise's layout, structure, or design. This could involve redesigning the interior and exterior appearance and interior layout or adding a drive-thru.