Does the rent estimate for an Aw franchise include purchasing a site?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- Lease Security Deposit; Rent. This estimate covers the security deposit and rent for the first 3 months for leasing a site ranging in size from 900 to 2,500 square feet.
Typically the security deposit for the lease is one month's rent.
The rent will vary depending on the size, type, condition and location of the premises.
The low estimate assumes that you will be able to negotiate some free rent at the beginning of the lease.
The estimate does not include purchasing a site which we would not recommend.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 16–19)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the rent estimate does not include purchasing a site. The FDD specifies that the estimate for lease security deposit and rent covers the first three months for leasing a site, with the size ranging from 900 to 2,500 square feet. The security deposit is typically one month's rent, and the rent amount varies based on factors like size, type, condition, and location of the premises.
The document explicitly states that the estimate does not include purchasing a site, and Aw does not recommend doing so. This means a prospective Aw franchisee should not factor in any costs for site acquisition when considering the initial investment for 'Lease Security Deposit and Rent', which ranges from $4,000 to $16,000 for the first three months.
This is a common practice in franchising, as many franchisors prefer franchisees to lease rather than own the property. Leasing provides more flexibility and typically requires less upfront capital. Franchisees should confirm with Aw about site selection criteria and any assistance they provide in lease negotiation.