What is the franchisee's obligation regarding the 'image' of new or refurbished company-owned or affiliate-owned operations, according to Aw?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (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
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 39–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have specific obligations to maintain the image and appearance of their Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant to align with Aw's standards. Specifically, franchisees must upgrade, refurbish, and redecorate their premises, at their own expense, to match the current image of new or refurbished company-owned or affiliate-owned operations. This includes conforming to building design, trade dress, color schemes, and presentation of the Marks. These upgrades can occur at reasonable intervals, but not more often than once every five years.
These changes may involve structural alterations, remodeling, refurnishing, redecoration, installation of new equipment, and modifications to existing improvements. However, all actual changes are subject to Aw's prior written approval. This ensures that all Papa Ray's Pizza locations maintain a consistent brand image and customer experience.
This requirement means that franchisees must be prepared to invest in periodic updates to their restaurants to keep them aligned with the current brand standards. While these updates are limited to occurring no more than once every five years, they can involve significant expenses depending on the scope of the required changes. Franchisees should factor these potential costs into their financial planning and be aware that Aw has the final say on what changes are necessary to maintain brand consistency.