Under what condition might an Auntie Annes franchisee not be required to offer delivery services?
Auntie_Annes Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We require you to provide catering services and delivery services and you must do so in accordance with any restrictions and guidelines that we may establish in the Manuals or otherwise in writing. You may only provide delivery services through a TPS that we approve or designate. If a TPS is unavailable to provide delivery services for your Shop, you may not be required to offer delivery services, subject to our written approval. We, our affiliates, or our franchisees may provide delivery services and catering services anywhere, including near your Shop. We reserve the right to revise and/or make exceptions to our delivery services and catering services policies as they apply to you and our other franchisees.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 77–80)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Auntie Annes's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally required to provide catering and delivery services, adhering to the guidelines established by Auntie Annes. These services must be facilitated through a third-party provider (TPS) approved or designated by Auntie Annes. However, an exception exists regarding the mandatory provision of delivery services.
Specifically, if a suitable TPS is not available to provide delivery services for a franchisee's Auntie Annes shop, the franchisee may not be required to offer delivery services. This exception is contingent upon receiving written approval from Auntie Annes. This suggests that franchisees need to actively seek and propose alternative delivery solutions if the designated TPS is unavailable, and then await approval from the franchisor to be exempt from the delivery requirement.
It's important to note that even if a franchisee is not required to offer delivery services due to the unavailability of an approved TPS, Auntie Annes, its affiliates, or other franchisees still retain the right to provide delivery services in the same area. Auntie Annes also reserves the right to revise or make exceptions to its delivery services policies, indicating that the requirement to offer delivery services can change at the franchisor's discretion. This flexibility allows Auntie Annes to adapt to changing market conditions and ensure consistent brand standards across all locations.