When must an Auntie Annes franchisee deliver the Site Agreement to the franchisor?
Auntie_Annes Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
of the site. We disclaim any responsibility for the suitability of the Accepted Location. Our acceptance of the site is based on the site satisfying our minimum site selection criteria only and will not be construed as a representation or warranty that the Shop located at the Accepted Location will be successful. (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.3)
- 2. Site Agreement. You must deliver a copy of the signed lease, sublease, or other rental agreement for the location (the "Lease") or purchase agreement for the location (the "Purchase Agreement" and, collectively with the Lease, the "Site Agreement") to us with all material terms specified therein. You will be solely responsible for negotiation of the terms of the Site Agreement and performance under the Site Agreement. We will have the right, but not the obligation, to review your Site Agreement prior to its execution to verify its compliance with our requirements. (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.4)
- 3. General Contractor.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 61–77)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Auntie Annes's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must deliver a copy of the signed lease, sublease, or other rental agreement (Lease) or purchase agreement (Purchase Agreement), collectively known as the Site Agreement, to Auntie Annes with all material terms specified.
The franchisee is solely responsible for negotiating the terms and performance under the Site Agreement. Auntie Annes retains the right, but not the obligation, to review the Site Agreement before it is executed to verify compliance with their requirements.
Submitting the Site Agreement is one of several key milestones for opening an Auntie Anne's franchise. The franchisee must also identify and obtain acceptance of the location, sign required documentation, and submit complete architectural plans within 150 days of signing the Franchise Agreement. Missing these deadlines, including those for construction start (270 days) and opening (360 days), can lead to termination of the agreement without a refund of the initial franchise fee.