Does Aw charge a fee for reviewing a proposed supplier for Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you would like to purchase any items from any unapproved supplier, you must submit a written request for approval of the proposed supplier. We will charge you (or the supplier) a non-refundable fee to cover the costs we incur in making this determination and will notify you of our decision within 30 days of our receipt of your request and all materials necessary to make our determination. We will establish procedures for submitting requests for approval of items and suppliers and may impose limits on the number of approved suppliers. Approval of a supplier may be conditioned on reputation, compliance with our specifications, product quality, timely delivery, standards of service and concentration of purchases for the benefit of the franchise system. However, our criteria for approving suppliers are not available to franchisees. We reserve the right to revoke approval of any approved supplier.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 19–21)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wants to purchase items from an unapproved supplier for their Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, Aw will charge a non-refundable fee to cover the costs of reviewing the proposed supplier. This fee can be charged to either the franchisee or the supplier.
The FDD states that Aw will notify the franchisee of their decision regarding the supplier approval within 30 days of receiving the request and all necessary materials. Aw will establish procedures for submitting these requests and may limit the number of approved suppliers.
Approval of a supplier may depend on factors such as reputation, compliance with Aw's specifications, product quality, timely delivery, standards of service, and purchase concentration for the benefit of the franchise system. However, the specific criteria Aw uses to approve suppliers are not disclosed to franchisees, and Aw reserves the right to revoke approval of any approved supplier.