Does Aw require the proposed assignee to have sufficient business experience to own and operate a Papa Ray's Restaurant?

According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wishes to assign their franchise agreement to a new party, Aw will assess whether the proposed assignee has sufficient business experience to operate a Papa Ray's Restaurant. Specifically, Aw states that they will not unreasonably withhold approval of an assignment if the proposed assignee has sufficient business experience, aptitude, and financial resources to own and operate the restaurant.

In addition to business experience, Aw also evaluates the proposed assignee's moral character and ensures they do not have any conflicting interests. The assignee must also meet Aw's standards for franchisees at the time of the assignment. This indicates that Aw aims to maintain consistent quality and operational standards across all its franchise locations by carefully vetting potential new owners.

Furthermore, the proposed assignee must complete the initial training program required of new franchisees to Aw's satisfaction. This ensures that the new owner is properly trained in Aw's operating procedures and standards. The FDD also states that the assignee may need to execute the then-current form of franchise agreement, which may include different terms and conditions than the original agreement. The assignee must also assume all obligations of the original franchisee and pay a transfer fee, which is $9,000, or $5,000 if the assignee is an existing franchisee.