Is Aw planning to offer franchises in New York?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Currently, the mark Famous Original Ray's Pizza owned by U.S.A Famous Original Ray's Licensing Corp. is only in use in New York. We do not intend to offer and sell franchises in New York.
Source: Item 13 — TRADEMARKS (FDD pages 30–32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Aw does not intend to offer and sell franchises in New York. This decision appears to be related to a trademark dispute involving the name "Famous Original Ray's Pizza," which is currently in use in New York.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that Aw franchises are currently unavailable in New York. This could be due to ongoing legal concerns regarding trademark rights within that specific state. If a potential franchisee is interested in opening an Aw franchise in New York, they should inquire directly with Aw about their future plans for the New York market and whether the trademark situation might change.
It is important to note that trademark disputes can significantly impact a franchise's ability to operate in certain regions. The fact that Aw is avoiding New York due to this issue highlights the importance of trademark protection and the potential risks associated with trademark infringement. Franchisees should always ensure they understand the trademark landscape in their desired territory and any potential conflicts that may arise.