Does Aw determine if the franchisee has met the requirements to open for business?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Before you open your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, we will do the following under the Franchise Agreement:
-
- Determine that you have met the requirements to open for business. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.6)
You may not open your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant for business until: (1) you have completed the build-out of the restaurant premises and installed all fixtures, furniture and equipment; (2) we determine that your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant has been constructed, equipped, decorated and stocked with inventory, materials and supplies in accordance with plans and specifications we have approved; (3) you and any operating manager have completed our initial training and your employees have completed pre-opening training to our satisfaction; (4) the initial franchise fee has been paid in full; and (5) you have furnished us with evidence of required insurance coverage. You must begin operating your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant within 12 months of the date you sign the Franchise Agreement. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.7.)
Provide on-site start-up assistance and training to you, your manager and employees at your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant for 3 days around the time you open for business. (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.2.)
Provide guidelines regarding the Grand Opening Advertising Campaign that you must conduct during the first 90 weeks of operation. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.7)
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Aw does determine whether a franchisee has met the requirements to open for business. Prior to opening a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, Aw will determine that the franchisee has met all requirements to open for business, according to Section 4.6 of the Franchise Agreement.
Aw specifies certain conditions that must be met before a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant can open. These include completing the restaurant build-out and installing all fixtures, furniture, and equipment according to Aw's approved plans and specifications. Additionally, both the franchisee and any operating manager must complete Aw's initial training program to the company's satisfaction, and all employees must complete pre-opening training. The initial franchise fee must be paid in full, and the franchisee must provide evidence of the required insurance coverage.
Aw estimates that the time between signing the Franchise Agreement and opening the restaurant will be 6 to 18 months. This timeframe depends on securing an approved site, obtaining necessary permits and licenses, and completing the build-out of the premises. The franchisee is required to sign a lease for an approved site within 6 months of signing the Franchise Agreement and must begin operating the restaurant within 12 months of signing the Franchise Agreement.
Aw also provides on-site start-up assistance and training to the franchisee, their manager, and employees for 3 days around the time of opening. This support ensures that the franchisee has the necessary guidance and training to begin operations. Furthermore, Aw requires franchisees to conduct a Grand Opening Advertising Campaign during the first 90 weeks of operation, providing guidelines for this campaign.