Does the Aw franchise agreement require compliance with mandatory specifications, standards, and operating procedures?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
s) shall be detrimental to the System and Marks.
- 11.7 Hours of Operation. You agree to keep the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant open for business seven (7) days a week, three hundred sixty-five days each calendar year during such minimum hours as we may prescribe from time to time.
- 11.8 Specifications, Standards and Procedures. You agree to comply with all mandatory specifications, standards, and operating procedures relating to the appearance, function, cleanliness, sanitation and operation of a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant. Mandatory specifications, standards, and operating procedures we prescribe from time to time in the Operations Manual, or otherwise communicated to you in writing, will constitute provisions of this Agreement as if fully set forth in this Agreement. All references to "this Agreement" includes all such mandatory specifications, standards, and operating procedures. The mandatory specifications will include without limitation:
- (a) type, quality, size, and taste of all food and beverage products and services sold at the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant and of all other products used in the packaging and sale of the products and services;
- (b) recommended pricing of products and services and maximum and minimum pricing as permitted by law;
- (c) manner of, and limitations on, delivery of products and services outside the Premises;
- (d) the safety, maintenance, cleanliness, sanitation, function and appearance of the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant and the Premises and its fixtures, equipment, furniture, decor, signs, displays, and menu boards;
- (e) qualifications, training, dress, general appearance and demeanor of Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant employees;
- (f) use of the Marks and use of products imprinted with the Marks;
- (g) use and retention of standard accounting and recordkeeping systems and forms;
- (h) identification of you as the owner of the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant;
- (i) advertising and promotion;
- (j) customer service and satisfaction, including the handling of customer complaints; and
- (k) online ordering.
- 11.9 Compliance with Laws and Good Business Practices.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 39–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must comply with all mandatory specifications, standards, and operating procedures related to the appearance, function, cleanliness, sanitation, and operation of their Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant. These mandatory specifications, standards, and operating procedures are prescribed by Aw and communicated in the Operations Manual or in writing. These standards are considered part of the franchise agreement.
The mandatory specifications include the type, quality, size, and taste of food and beverage products, recommended and legally compliant pricing, delivery limitations, and the maintenance and appearance of the restaurant. They also cover employee qualifications, training, dress, and demeanor, as well as the use of Aw's marks and standard accounting systems. Furthermore, these specifications extend to advertising, promotion, customer service, and online ordering.
Adherence to these standards is a fundamental requirement of the franchise agreement, ensuring uniformity and protecting the goodwill of Aw's marks and all Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants. Franchisees are also required to advise Aw of any necessary variations to meet local requirements and must submit construction plans for approval before starting any construction.