Is a franchisee of Aw prohibited from making any alterations to the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant without prior written approval?

According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are indeed restricted from making alterations to the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant premises without obtaining prior written approval from Aw. Specifically, franchisees cannot make any material alterations to the premises or the appearance of the restaurant as it was originally developed without this approval.

This requirement ensures that all Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants maintain a consistent brand image and operational standard. If a franchisee proceeds with unapproved alterations, Aw retains the right to rectify those alterations at the franchisee's expense. This provision underscores Aw's control over the brand's presentation and the franchisee's adherence to the established system.

Moreover, Aw has the right to specify when franchisees must replace or add new equipment and fixtures to meet changing standards or accommodate new services and products. Additionally, franchisees may be required to upgrade, refurbish, and redecorate the premises periodically to conform to the current image of new Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants, which may include structural changes and remodeling, all subject to Aw's prior written approval. These stipulations ensure that the restaurant remains up-to-date and aligned with Aw's brand standards, although the costs for these updates are borne by the franchisee.