Who is responsible for the expense of purchasing, leasing, and maintaining the Computer System at an Auntie Annes franchise?

According to the 2024 Auntie Annes FDD, the franchisee is required to have a point of sale system (POS System) for the Franchised Business that satisfies Franchisor's Minimum Specifications. The franchisee is also required to obtain support for the POS System from an approved supplier, which may include Franchisor or its affiliates. This indicates that the franchisee bears the responsibility for the costs associated with the POS system.

This requirement means that prospective Auntie Annes franchisees must budget for the initial purchase or lease of the POS system, as well as ongoing maintenance and support expenses. The FDD excerpt specifies that the POS system must meet Auntie Annes' minimum specifications, so franchisees will likely need to purchase or lease the system from an approved supplier to ensure compliance.

Furthermore, franchisees may have the option to obtain support services for the POS system directly from Auntie Annes or its affiliates. While this could offer convenience and integration with the Auntie Annes system, franchisees should carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of different support options to make an informed decision. It is important to note that the franchisor maintains the right to approve the POS system, ensuring standardization across all Auntie Annes locations.