For an Auntie Annes franchise, what is prohibited regarding construction of the Franchised Business before the final Architectural Plans are accepted?

According to Auntie Annes's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are prohibited from beginning construction of their franchised business until the final architectural plans have been accepted in writing by Auntie Annes. This requirement is in place to ensure that the construction aligns with Auntie Annes's standards and specifications.

This stipulation means a prospective Auntie Annes franchisee must first submit a complete set of final architectural plans by the Construction Start Deadline. Auntie Annes will then review these plans and either accept them or provide comments for required changes. While the initial review and one revision review are free, subsequent reviews due to further modifications will incur a fee of $1,000 per review.

It is crucial for franchisees to adhere to this requirement, as opening a business that does not conform to the approved architectural plans is not permitted. This process ensures that each Auntie Annes location maintains brand consistency and meets all necessary legal and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. Franchisees must also obtain written approval for any changes to the architectural plans before implementing them, reinforcing the importance of adhering to the franchisor's standards throughout the construction process.