Are the changes to the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant premises subject to approval when the Aw franchisee upgrades, refurbishes, and redecorates?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
term of this Agreement: (1) thorough cleaning, repainting and redecorating of the interior and exterior of the Premises at reasonable intervals; (2) interior and exterior repair of the Premises; and (3) repair or replacement of damaged, worn out or obsolete fixtures, furniture, equipment, and signs;
- (c) you will not make any material alterations to the Premises or to the appearance of the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, as originally developed, without our prior written approval. If you do so, we have the right, at your expense, to rectify alterations we have not previously approved;
- (d) you will replace or add new equipment and fixtures when we reasonably specify in order to meet changing standards or accommodate new services, new products and new methods of providing and displaying the new products and services;
- (e) on notice from us at reasonable intervals, but not more often than once every five (5) years, you will upgrade, refurbish and redecorate the Premises, at your expense, to conform to the building design, trade dress, color schemes, and presentation of the Marks in a manner consistent with the then-current image for new Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants or of new or refurbished company-owned or affiliate-owned operations. Such upgrades, refurbishing and redecoration may include, without limitation, structural changes, remodeling, refurnishing, redecoration, installation of new equipment, and modifications to existing improvements. (All actual changes will be subject to our prior written approval); and
- (f) you will place or display at the Premises (interior and exterior) only those signs, emblems, designs, artwork, lettering, logos, and display and advertising materials that we from time to time approve.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 39–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to obtain prior written approval from Aw before making any material alterations to the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant premises. This includes upgrades, refurbishments, and redecorations. Aw retains the right to rectify any unapproved alterations at the franchisee's expense. This ensures that all Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant locations maintain a consistent brand image and meet Aw's standards.
Aw also specifies that franchisees must upgrade, refurbish, and redecorate the premises at their own expense when notified by Aw, but not more often than once every five years. These changes must conform to the current image for new Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants, including building design, trade dress, color schemes, and presentation of the Marks. All actual changes are subject to Aw's prior written approval. This allows Aw to periodically update the look and feel of its restaurants to stay current with market trends and customer preferences.
Furthermore, as a condition for franchise renewal, franchisees must make reasonable capital expenditures to remodel, upgrade, and redecorate the premises to reflect the then-current image of a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant. This includes trade dress, color schemes, layout, fixtures, furniture, equipment, and presentation of the Marks. All remodeling, replacements, upgrades, or redecoration must be done according to Aw's standards and specifications, with prior written approval. This ensures that renewed franchises continue to align with Aw's brand standards and customer expectations.