Is an Auntie Annes franchisee required to employ a licensed architect to prepare Architectural Plans?
Auntie_Annes Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
nsed and insured general contractor ("General Contractor") to complete the build-out of your Shop, and the General Contractor must be accepted by us. Our acceptance of your General Contractor will not in any way be our endorsement of your General Contractor or render us liable for your General Contractor's performance. (Franchise Agreement, Section 6.1)
- 4. Architectural Plans. We will provide a sample layout and specifications for the Shop. You must, at your expense, employ a licensed architect that we accept in writing and licensed engineers (e.g., mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or structural engineers) as necessary to prepare your Architectural Plans. We will review your proposed architect and Architectural Plans. Our acceptance of your architect will not in any way be our endorsement of your architect or render us liable for your architect's performance or your architect's compliance with professional design standards or adherence to local codes. Our review of the Architectural Plans is limited to ensuring your compliance with our Standards and is not designed to assess structural integrity or compliance wi
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 61–77)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Auntie Anne's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to employ a licensed architect to prepare Architectural Plans for their shop. The franchisee is responsible for covering the expenses associated with hiring the architect and any necessary licensed engineers (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or structural). Auntie Anne's must provide written acceptance of the architect chosen by the franchisee.
Auntie Anne's will provide a sample layout and specifications for the shop. The franchisee's architect will use this information to create the Architectural Plans. Auntie Anne's will review the proposed architect and the Architectural Plans to ensure compliance with their standards. However, Auntie Anne's states that their acceptance of the architect does not constitute an endorsement or liability for the architect's performance, professional design standards, or adherence to local codes. Similarly, their review of the Architectural Plans is limited to ensuring compliance with Auntie Anne's standards and does not assess structural integrity or legal compliance.
Auntie Anne's offers an initial review of the Architectural Plans at no cost, as well as a review of one revised set of plans incorporating required changes, also at no cost. However, Auntie Anne's may charge a fee of $1,000 for each subsequent set of drawings reviewed that include modifications from previously accepted plans. The franchisee must receive written acceptance of the Architectural Plans from Auntie Anne's before submitting them for permits and beginning construction. The franchisee may also be required to provide periodic photographs of the construction progress.