factual

Does Aw provide standards for purchasing computer systems for Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants?

Aw Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

and signs. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.3)

    1. As discussed in Item 8, provide standards and specifications and list of approved suppliers for purchasing furniture, fixtures, equipment, computer systems, signs, inventory, materials and other supplies necessary for a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant to begin operations. (Franchise Agreement, Sections 4.5 and 11.4)
    1. Determine that you have met the requirements to open for business. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.6)

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    1. Loan you one copy of the Operations Manual (described below). (Franchise Agreement, Section 6.2)
    1. Provide initial training to you (up to 3 owners and/or managers). (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.1) This training will be described in detail later in this item.

During your operation of Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, we will do the following:

    1. Provide on-site start-up assistance and training to you, your manager and employees at your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant for 3 days around the time you open for business. (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.2.)
    1. Provide guidelines regarding the Grand Opening Advertising Campaign that you must conduct during the first 90 weeks of operation. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.7)
    1. Furnish you with guidance and assistance in the operation of your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant as we deem appropriate. Operating assistance may consist of advice and guidance with respect to: sale of products and provision of services; specifications, standards and operating procedures used in Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants; food preparation and presentation methods; purchasing approved fixtures, furniture, equipment, signs, inventory products, operating materials and supplies; advertising and promotional programs; administrative, bookkeeping, accounting, sales and general operating procedures; and employee training programs. This guidance will be furnished in the Operations Manual (defined below), lists of approved suppliers, other written materials, electronic communication, consultations by phone and/or consultations at our office or at your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant. (Franchise Agreement, Section 6.1)
    1. Upon your request and at our sole discretion, we will send a representative to your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant to provide additional guidance and assistance for a fee. We may require this additional guidance and assistance if you are not operating your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant in compliance with the Franchise Agreement. (Franchise Agreement, Section 6.1)
    1. Loan to you, during the term of the Franchise Agreement, one copy of an operating and procedures manual, which may consist of one or more manuals, in written or electronic form, for Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants (the "Operations Manual"), containing mandatory and suggested specifications, standards and operating procedures prescribed from time to time by us for Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants and information on other obligations you have under the Franchise Agreement. The Operations Manual may be modified at any time to reflect changes in the System, including additions to and deletions from authorized products and services, specifications, standards and operating procedures of a Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant and under the Franchise Agreement. (Franchise Agreement, Section 6.2) The table of contents of the Operations Manual as of the date of this Disclosure Document is attached to this Disclosure Document as Exhibit E.

Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–29)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase and use a point of sale (POS) system that Aw requires, along with the necessary hardware to support it. The currently approved POS system is Microworks Prism. The initial cost of the POS system, including equipment, ranges from $12,000 to $19,000. Aw states that one of its affiliates has used this POS system since October 2013.

In addition to the POS system, franchisees must purchase a separate computer for operating their Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant, with an estimated cost of $500 for one with basic software. Aw can require franchisees to upgrade their POS system at any time if the current system is deemed insufficient or incompatible with Aw's computer system. There are no limits to the number of required upgrades or the amount franchisees may be required to spend on these upgrades.

Aw has the right to access the franchisee's POS system to retrieve information about the restaurant's operations. The cost of online ordering through the designated POS system supplier ranges from $180 to $250 per month. Franchisees are also required to maintain an annual maintenance agreement for the POS system, estimated to cost between $800 and $2,000 annually. Franchisees must also have high-speed internet access and an email account for communication and online ordering purposes.

If Aw develops proprietary software for the franchise system, franchisees may be required to use it, purchase supporting hardware, enter into a Software License Agreement, and pay the current license fees. Aw also provides operating assistance that may consist of advice and guidance with respect to specifications, standards, and operating procedures used in Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants and purchasing approved fixtures, furniture, equipment, signs, inventory products, operating materials, and supplies.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.