What is the procedure for submitting requests for approval of items and suppliers to Aw for Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you would like to purchase any items from any unapproved supplier, you must submit a written request for approval of the proposed supplier. We will charge you (or the supplier) a non-refundable fee to cover the costs we incur in making this determination and will notify you of our decision within 30 days of our receipt of your request and all materials necessary to make our determination. We will establish procedures for submitting requests for approval of items and suppliers and may impose limits on the number of approved suppliers. Approval of a supplier may be conditioned on reputation, compliance with our specifications, product quality, timely delivery, standards of service and concentration of purchases for the benefit of the franchise system. However, our criteria for approving suppliers are not available to franchisees. We reserve the right to revoke approval of any approved supplier.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 19–21)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wishes to purchase items from a supplier not already approved, they must submit a written request to Aw for approval. Aw may charge a non-refundable fee to the franchisee or the supplier to cover the costs of the approval process. Aw will then notify the franchisee of their decision within 30 days of receiving the request and all necessary materials.
Aw will establish specific procedures for submitting these approval requests and may limit the number of approved suppliers. Approval of a supplier may depend on factors such as reputation, compliance with Aw's specifications, product quality, timely delivery, service standards, and purchase volume for the benefit of the franchise system. However, the specific criteria Aw uses to approve suppliers are not disclosed to franchisees.
Aw retains the right to revoke approval of any supplier at any time. This means that franchisees must adhere to Aw's approved supplier list and approval process to maintain compliance and ensure the quality and consistency of products used in their Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant. Franchisees should be aware of the potential costs and time involved in seeking approval for new suppliers and the risk that approval may be denied or revoked.