How are mandatory specifications, standards, and operating procedures communicated to the Aw franchisee?
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. You agree to secure and maintain in force in your name all required licenses, permits, and certificates relating to the operation of the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant. You agree to operate the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant in full compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations, including, without limitation, all government regulations relating to the preparation and sale of food, customer data security and privacy, worker's compensation insurance, unemployment insurance,
and withholding and payment of federal and state income taxes, social security taxes and sales taxes. You agree that in all dealings with us, your customers, your suppliers, and with public officials, you will adhere to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, fair dealing and ethical conduct. You further agree to refrain from any business or advertising practice which may be harmful to us, the goodwill associated with the Marks, and/or other Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 39–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, mandatory specifications, standards, and operating procedures are communicated to franchisees through the Operations Manual and other written communications. The Operations Manual contains both mandatory and suggested guidelines that Aw prescribes for its pizza restaurants. This manual may be in written or electronic form and can be modified over time to reflect changes in standards and procedures.
Aw franchisees are required to keep their copy of the Operations Manual current by inserting all modified pages provided by Aw. Revisions to the manual are effective immediately unless Aw specifies a later date. In case of a dispute regarding the contents of the manual, the master hard copies maintained at Aw's principal office or the online Operations Manual will be controlling.
In addition to the Operations Manual, Aw may communicate mandatory specifications, standards, and operating procedures in writing. Franchisees must comply with all mandatory specifications, standards, and operating procedures relating to the appearance, function, cleanliness, sanitation, and operation of their Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant. These standards, whether in the Operations Manual or otherwise communicated in writing, are considered provisions of the Franchise Agreement.